Police and university officials testified today in Weld County District Court that Mitch Cozad was polite and cooperative while being investigated for stabbing the starting punter on the University of Northern Colorado football team.
Cozad, from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly stabbed Rafael Mendoza on Sept. 11, 2006, in a bid to win Mendoza’s starting job on the football team.
Cozad is accused of attempted first-degree murder, and his trial is scheduled for July 30. He is free on a $500,000 bond.
Today’s hearing was to determine whether any statements made by Cozad before his arrest should be kept out of his trial.
Nathan Cole, a housing official for UNC, testified that Cozad “was very respectful and cordial” after Cole told him he would be kicked out of his dorm because of the allegations.
Evans Police Officer Dan Ranous, one of the first officers to talk to Cozad after the attack, also testified that Cozad was cooperative. “He was very polite and very comfortable speaking with me,” Ranous said.
The hearing will resume June 8 in Weld County District Court.
