Kobe Bryant Lawyer Enters Henthorn Case
DENVER (CBS4) - Pamela Mackey, a high-profile Denver attorney who previously represented NBA star Kobe Bryant, has now entered the Harold Henthorn murder case, representing the suspect's brother, Robert Henthorn.
"You know I can't talk about that," Mackey told CBS4 when she was asked last week about her involvement in the Henthorn case.
Harold Henthorn is facing one count of first-degree murder in connection with the 2012 death of his wife, Dr. Toni Henthorn, who fell 140 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park during an anniversary hike with her husband. Harold Henthorn has pleaded not guilty in the case and previously told friends and associates he loved his wife and did not harm her.
In a court hearing last week, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Harold Henthorn transferred $500,000 to his brother, Rob, in early 2014, purportedly for an investment. In ordering Harold Henthorn held without bond, Magistrate-Judge Kathleen Tafoya wrote, "The court views these monetary maneuverings to be an attempt to hide the money invested, especially in light of the fact that ultimately the auditor has not been able to trace the ultimate repository for the funds.
"These multiple transfers," wrote Tafoya, "are completely at odds with the defendant's version of the transfer of the money to his brother as merely 'investing in his brother's business.' Instead, the court views these transfers as an attempt to hide $500,000 in cash assets which could be used should the defendant decide to flee the country." Tafoya said Harold Henthorn was a flight risk and ordered him back to jail, declining to set bond in the case.
It's unclear when Robert Henthorn decided to hire Mackey to represent him. In two phone calls with CBS4, Rob Henthorn refused to discuss the case or the hiring of Mackey.
"Our family just doesn't want to comment at this time," Rob Henthorn said repeatedly. He has not been charged with any crimes related to his brother's case but would not confirm nor deny the hiring of Mackey.
While he and Mackey refused to comment on her involvement in the case, two sources familiar with the case tell CBS4 Mackey is now representing Rob Henthorn and Mackey has directed any legal inquiries pertaining to the brother go through her. Mackey was in federal court last week, taking notes during Harold Henthorn's detention hearing. Jeff Dorschner, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Denver, declined to discuss or confirm the Mackey development telling CBS4, "It would be inappropriate for me to comment."
Mackey defended Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, against sexual assault charges stemming from an incident in Edwards in 2003. Prosecutors dropped the case against Bryant in 2004 when his accuser declined to testify. Mackey also represented Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy in 2001 in a domestic violence case that was later dismissed.
Meanwhile, Federal Judge Brooke Jackson has refused to immediately unseal 21 search warrants and affidavits that prosecutors asked last week that he unseal. Jackson has ruled that prosecutors in the Harold Henthorn case improperly filed their motion by not conferring first with Henthorn's attorney. Prosecution and defense attorneys are due in court Wednesday to discuss unsealing the warrants and affidavits. It's also expected that they will set a trial date for Harold Henthorn.
