Ex-Mayor Deposed In Greene Case
Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is back at the federal courthouse in downtown Detroit Thursday to answer questions about the unsolved murder of stripper Tamara Greene.
The deposition, which began at about 10 a.m., was expected to last all day -- although Kilpatrick's attorney could advise the former mayor to take his Fifth Amendment rights.
Attorney Norm Yatooma filed a lawsuit against the city of Detroit and Kilpatrick claiming they obstructed the investigation into Greene's April 2003 death. She was rumored to have danced at a never-proven party at the Manoogian Mansion just a few months before she was shot to death.
Kilpatrick's attorney Jim Thomas said his client denies the allegations.
Norman Yatooma, the attorney representing Greene's family, says that Kilpatrick's statements will be the most significant statements in the suit.
"This is the top gun. He's the one that's in charge of the city, and all the maneuvers the city made. And, of course, we are suing Kwame Kilpatrick and the city for covering up Tammy Greene's murder investigation," Yatooma said.
'"So, naturally, it's quite significant to be able to finally sit down with him and put him under oath. It's been a Herculean task to get him there," he said.
Kilpatrick was brought to the courthouse from the federal prison in Milan where is jailed while awaiting trial on fraud and tax charges. Kilpatrick also is serving time for probation violation.
Thomas told the Detroit News the deposition will be videotaped and Kilpatrick would be allowed to wear a business suit and not prison garb.
WWJ and Fox 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton said Kilpatrick will be asked a lot of specific questions by attorneys.
"Did Kwame Kilptrick play any role in the murder investigation. And, if he did, what was the role. And, number two, did he stop the investigation -- did he order the police department to stop the investigation. Or, did he hinder the investigation," Langton said.
"Then, specifically, what about tapes? What about interviews? Who was interviewed regarding this investigation?" he said.
Kilpatrick's Chief of Staff Christine Beatty was questioned in Birmingham Wednesday as part of the case. Kilpatrick's wife and father could be questioned Friday.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest developments.
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