Attorneys for Minnesota trooper who killed Ricky Cobb II, Hennepin County attorney wrangle over use-of-force expert's opinion
MINNEAPOLIS — Lawyers for a state trooper charged with murder say the Hennepin County Attorney ignored an expert's opinion in the case.
Ryan Londregan shot and killed Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop in Minneapolis last summer.
In the months before charging Londregan with murder, manslaughter and assault, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, led by Mary Moriarty, consulted a police use-of-force expert named Jeff Noble.
Court filings from Londregan's lawyers say Noble told the prosecutors the use of force was reasonable.
But Moriarty's office pushed back Monday, saying Noble didn't reach any legal conclusion.
A spokesperson said in part, "The defense has selectively quoted a partial sentence of a lengthy document...[that] excludes critical facts where the expert acknowledged information he would need to fully analyze the case."
Joe Tamburino, a defense attorney not associated with the case, sees all of this as a misstep by Moriarty.
"An experienced prosecutor wouldn't just willy-nilly pick an expert and start saying, 'What's your opinion?'" Tamburino said. "It's not done that way. The reason why it's not done that way is an experienced prosecutor knows that, whatever that expert tells you, even if it's a preliminary opinion, you must disclose to the defense."
The defense is now asking the judge to see everything Noble had to say and interview him themselves.
Prosecutors argue they've already shared all they're required to.
Tamburino says taking that position doesn't speak highly of their case.
"If Mr. Noble's opinions were going to help the prosecutor, why not use him?" Tamburino said. "Why make a motion to quash, meaning cancel, the defense's subpoena?"
Congressman Pete Stauber called on Moriarty to resign Monday, as did Minnesota House Republicans.
"The behavior of Moriarty and her office, outlined in the court documents, calls into question the integrity of her office," said Lisa Demuth, the House Minority Leader.
WCCO reached out to Noble. He had no comment.
Tamburino says it's possible the judge will call Noble in for a hearing.
