|
JonBenet's maid sues to reveal info
11/08/2000 10:27 - (SA)
Denver - John and Patsy Ramsey's former housekeeper is challenging a state
law preventing her from revealing what she told a grand jury about
their daughter JonBenet's death.
Linda Hoffman-Pugh filed the lawsuit on Thursday in federal court.
She plans to write a book about her time with the Ramseys and her
appearance before the grand jury that investigated the 6-year-old's
death. But a state law prohibits grand jury witnesses from publicly
discussing their testimony "in perpetuity" if no reports or
indictments are issued.
Hoffman-Pugh's lawsuit argues that the Colorado law violates
witnesses' First Amendment right of free speech.
The grand jury looking into the girl's 1996 death adjourned in
October without issuing any indictments.
L. Lin Wood, who represents the Ramseys, said he wasn't familiar
with the Colorado law. "But logic and fairness, in my opinion,
would dictate that all the grand jury testimony be made public,
including Linda Hoffman-Pugh's," Wood said on Thursday from his office
in Atlanta.
Prosecutor Bill Wise declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying no
one in the office had seen it.
Hoffman-Pugh worked for the Ramseys for 14 months. She was
questioned about JonBenet's death and gave police blood, hair and
handwriting samples.
JonBenet was found beaten and strangled in the basement of her
Boulder home on 26 December, 1996. Her body was found hours after Patsy
Ramsey reported finding a note demanding money for the girl's safe
return.
No suspects have ever been named in the case, although authorities
say the parents remain under suspicion. The Ramseys have denied any
involvement and say they believe an intruder was responsible.
-
Sapa-AP
- SAPA
|
