Newspaper to comply with Simpson subpoena for interview tape and
Newspaper to comply with Simpson subpoena for interview tape and04/18/95 |
photographs
WASHINGTON–The Spokesman-Review of Spokane said it will comply with subpoenas issued by O.J. Simpson’s defense team seeking a taped interview with Mark Fuhrman and photographs taken of the Los Angeles police detective before and during his altercation with one of the newspaper’s photographers.
The subpoenas were issued in early April in Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. One subpoena seeks a 10-minute taped interview between Fuhrman and Spokesman-Review reporter Bill Morlin, and the other subpoena seeks 25 photographs taken by photographer Dan McComb.
In an affidavit filed in support of the subpoena, Simpson attorney Carl Douglas stated that the material was “essential to a full cross examination [of Fuhrman] at trial.”
In late March the Simpson defense team faxed California subpoenas to the newspaper for the same material, but the newspaper refused to comply with the out-of-state subpoenas. A California subpoena is not be enforceable in Washington state.
The subpoenaed material originates from an interview Morlin conducted with Fuhrman at the Spokane International Airport. Fuhrman was at the airport after a house-hunting trip in Idaho.
Fuhrman’s attorneys have acknowledged that after the interview with Morlin, Fuhrman slammed his metal briefcase into McComb, who was taking pictures as the detective tried to exit the terminal. McComb continued to follow Fuhrman, prompting the controversial witness to grab the photographer by his shirt collar and throw him to the ground.
Fuhrman’s attorneys have said the incident was provoked by an “overzealous photographer.”
Spokesman-Review City Editor Joe Fenton said investigation into Fuhrman’s assault still is underway. (People v. Simpson; Media Counsel: Duane Swinton, Spokane)