Post by WaTcHeR on Feb 3, 2006 11:09:03 GMT -5
02/03/2006 - FLINT - Police are investigating the death of a prostitute, found floating in the Flint River late Monday afternoon, who recently testified in a court hearing for a former Flint cop accused of evidence tampering, drug delivery and other charges.
Police sources identified the victim as Rene L. Tuttle, 19, who testified last week against former officer Patrick M. Majestic. WJRT-TV (Channel 12) showed video of her testimony Tuesday night.
Tuttle's nude body was found in the water near Whaley Park in northeast Flint.
Tuttle's body was to undergo an autopsy by the Oakland County medical examiner's office to try to determine the cause of death. Flint detectives said Tuesday that they could not yet comment on the details of the case.
Randall J. Petrides, chief assistant Genesee County prosecutor,
declined to comment on the death or the effect it may have on the cases against Majestic, 36, of Swartz Creek, or his former partner, Joseph T. Lechota.
Lechota, 29, of Flushing, faces trial on charges of delivering heroin
under 50 grams, tampering with evidence, two counts of larceny from a building, both 4-year felonies; and misconduct in office.
Defense attorneys Frank and Michael Manley, who represent the police officers, said it would be foolish for anyone to link their clients to Tuttle's death.
Police sources identified the victim as Rene L. Tuttle, 19, who testified last week against former officer Patrick M. Majestic. WJRT-TV (Channel 12) showed video of her testimony Tuesday night.
Tuttle's nude body was found in the water near Whaley Park in northeast Flint.
Tuttle's body was to undergo an autopsy by the Oakland County medical examiner's office to try to determine the cause of death. Flint detectives said Tuesday that they could not yet comment on the details of the case.
Randall J. Petrides, chief assistant Genesee County prosecutor,
declined to comment on the death or the effect it may have on the cases against Majestic, 36, of Swartz Creek, or his former partner, Joseph T. Lechota.
Lechota, 29, of Flushing, faces trial on charges of delivering heroin
under 50 grams, tampering with evidence, two counts of larceny from a building, both 4-year felonies; and misconduct in office.
Defense attorneys Frank and Michael Manley, who represent the police officers, said it would be foolish for anyone to link their clients to Tuttle's death.