Report: Patrick Kane Accuser No Longer Cooperating In Rape Investigation
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The woman who accused Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane of rape is no longer cooperating with the criminal investigation, according to the Buffalo News.
The newspaper cited five sources who said the woman has told the Erie County District Attorney's Office that the investigation has caused tremendous stress for her and her family and that she no longer wishes to participate.
District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III ultimately will decide whether the case will continue.
From hoisting the Stanley Cup to defending his innocence, the past few months have been a roller coaster for Kane. A woman who Kane partied with on the night of Aug. 1 claims Kane raped her at his upstate New York home near Buffalo in the early morning hours of Aug. 2.
Since then, the case has been full of twists and turns. On Sept. 23, the original attorney for the accuser, Thomas Eoannou, held a press conference in Buffalo in which he claimed the the rape kit evidence bag had been tampered with -- "I have my grave concerns as to what's going on here," Eoannou said.
Erie County officials in western New York immediately disputed the claim by saying all the original evidence was accounted for and properly sealed.
A day later, Eoannou dropped his client and walked back his claim that evidence had been tampered with. He didn't go into detail.
On Sept. 25, Sedita held a press conference in which he revealed the accuser's mother had engaged in an "elaborate hoax" to make it look like evidence had been tampered with. Sedita made clear all the evidence was properly handled and accounted for.
A local sports attorney says even if criminal charges aren't filed, Kane could still be punished.
"The Chicago Blackhawks, the NHL still may do their own independent investigation, which may lead to some sort of discipline or suspension of Patrick Kane," Exavier Pope says.
A source told CBS 2 that Wednesday is the earliest we'd hear from Sedita on the next steps in the investigation. Even if the investigation ends, the alleged victim could still file a suit in civil court.
On the ice, Kane continues to be a standout. He had a goal and an assist to help lead the Blackhawks to a 4-2 win against the Kings on Monday night. His 16 points are the third-most in the NHL.
