Chapman, the lead defense attorney, says Corbett “shot Dominguez in self-defense after Dominguez attacked him.” He adds that three relatives of Dominguez — his sister-in-law Sandra Guzman and his brothers Rene and Jorge Dominguez — witnessed the incident and their testimony contradicts Corbett’s self-defense claim.
“The credibility of these witnesses has been severely compromised due to influence by the Mexican government … and the suggestion that a civil lawsuit seeking monetary damages will be filed against the United States and agent Corbett on behalf of the witnesses,” Chapman says.
Following the Jan. 12 shooting, Chapman says, law enforcement allowed the witnesses to remain together for several hours prior to being interviewed. And, at least one witness was interviewed by the Mexican consul before law enforcement had the chance to speak. Both of those actions do not follow standard practices, he says.
Also, he says, the witnesses spoke with Oscar de la Torre, the Mexican consul in Douglas, and an attorney retained by the Mexican government. He says “their testimony was irrevocably contaminated by statements made by the Mexican official, who informed them that the president of Mexico wanted agent Corbett punished.” And, he adds, the attorney suggested that a civil suit would be filed.
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The jury deliberated about 11 hours before telling the judge in a note Thursday morning they were split between acquitting agent Nicholas Corbett and convicting him, special prosecutor Grant Wood said.
As Arizona Attorney General, Mr. Grant Woods led the civil rights and Supreme Court efforts for the nation's attorneys general. He successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in a landmark case that allowed states to discontinue law libraries in prisons across the country. Mr. Woods was a chief negotiator and leader in the states' successful battle against the tobacco companies. His efforts resulted in almost $3 billion to Arizona, & significant marketing and advertising restrictions to protect our children for generations to come. In 1995, Mr. Woods was selected by his peers as the nation's top attorney general.
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/775716/posts
Woods may switch from GOP to Dems He's co-chairman of Salmon's campaign for governor
By Chip Scutari
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 25, 2002
Grant Woods, one of Arizona's most popular Republicans and co-chairman of Matt Salmon's gubernatorial campaign, is considering jumping to the Democratic Party after the Nov. 5 election.
The defection of the former state attorney general would be a coup for Arizona Democrats, who have been courting moderates. Chairman Jim Pederson said he'd be thrilled to have Woods join the party.
"He's a thoughtful, articulate person," said Pederson.
Republican Party Chairman Bob Fannin didn't want to comment.