Greeley – The lawyer for the man accused of stabbing the starting punter for the University of Northern Colorado football team wants a judge to keep information about the case sealed.
Attorney Joseph Gavaldon asked Monday that the Jan. 19 preliminary hearing for his client, Mitch Cozad, be closed to the public and an arrest affidavit remained sealed.
Weld County District Judge Marcelo Kopcow said he would rule on the motions later this month.
Cozad faces attempted first-degree murder and second-degree assault charges in connection with the Sept. 11 stabbing of then-teammate Rafael Mendoza in his kicking leg.
Cozad was the backup punter to Mendoza and allegedly attacked him in hopes of getting Mendoza’s starting job. Cozad was suspended after the attack.
Cozad, 21, of Wheatland, Wyo., faces up to 48 years in prison if convicted. He remains free on $500,000 bond.
Cozad – dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and tie – was flanked by lawyers in court and said only “yes” and “no” in responding to Kopcow’s questions.
Mendoza also was in court. Last week, he said attending the hearing would be difficult because it was the first time he had seen Cozad since the attack.
Mendoza also declined to comment as he left court with cameras and reporters in tow.
Kopcow said he also would rule soon on a motion by the television show “Inside Edition” for expanded media coverage during the court proceedings.
Cozad was apparently jealous of Mendoza and stalked him for days before the attack, police said.
Mendoza missed only one game but walks with a limp, finds sitting painful and has changed his punting style because he cannot extend his leg as far as he used to.
Kopcow warned Cozad not to attempt to contact Mendoza and extended his protection order to other people listed as witnesses in the case.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Staff writer Monte Whaley can be reached at 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com.
