GREELEY, Colo.-
Investigators are still running tests on evidence gathered in the case of a former Northern Colorado backup punter accused of stabbing the starter, attorneys said Tuesday.
A judge had planned to set a trial date for Mitch Cozad, charged with attempted first-degree murder and second-degree assault, but held off so the Colorado Bureau of Investigation could finish its tests.
“There’s still some more work to be done,” said Joseph Gavaldon, Cozad’s attorney. “We need to get together with the district attorney to see if this is a case that has to be tried. I’m hopeful to resolve any case. A case not tried is a case not lost.”
Asked if a plea agreement was in the works, prosecutor Michele Meyer said: “I have not spoken to Mr. Gavaldon.”
Cozad, of Wheatland, Wyo., is accused of stabbing Rafael Mendoza in his kicking leg on Sept. 11. Mendoza suffered a 3- to 5-inch deep knife wound when he was attacked in a dimly lit parking lot at his apartment complex.
Police have said they believe Cozad stabbed Mendoza in an attempt to get the starting job. The case drew quick comparisons to the assault by Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding’s hit man on rival Nancy Kerrigan.
At a hearing last month, another Northern Colorado student, Kevin Aussprung, testified that Cozad was upset with Mendoza for “messing up his kicking numbers.”
In his testimony and in court documents, Aussprung said Cozad offered him $100 to watch his car while Cozad handled “some business.” Aussprung said Cozad did not tell him what the business was but gave him black shoes and black clothing to wear.
Aussprung said they drove to an apartment complex and Cozad left the car. About 15 or 20 minutes later, Cozad ran back and said they had to leave, Aussprung said. He also said Cozad placed what appeared to be a knife in a plastic bag.
No charges have been filed against Aussprung. He has said he never received any money and did not want to.
Cozad is free on $500,000 bail. If convicted, he could face up to 48 years in prison. He has been kicked off the football team and suspended from the university.
Outside the courtroom, Gavaldon said the case has taken a toll on Cozad.
“It’s very, very tough for him,” Gavaldon said. “He’s a good kid.”
Mendoza returned to the team two weeks after the stabbing and averaged 39.9 yards on 56 punts.
