GREELEY Colo.
A former Northern Colorado punter accused of stabbing the starter testified Tuesday that he felt bullied while being interrogated by detectives and that he implied he wanted a lawyer, only to be ignored.
Mitchell Cozad, who is charged with attempted first-degree murder, swiveled in his chair on the witness stand as he answered questions from his attorney, Joseph Gavaldon. During the hearing, Cozad’s attorney sought to suppress statements Cozad made to investigators. The judge did not immediately rule.
Cozad is accused of leaving a 3- to 5-inch deep gash in Rafael Mendoza’s kicking leg during a Sept. 11 ambush. Police have said they believe Cozad stabbed Mendoza in an attempt to get the starting job.
When asked why he spoke to investigators without an attorney, Cozad testified, “I had nothing to hide.”
Cozad has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $500,000 bail. If found guilty of attempted murder, he could face up to 48 years in prison.
The case is set to go to trial July 30, but Gavaldon said lawyers were negotiating to resolve the case without going to trial. Chief Deputy District Attorney Michele Meyer declined to comment on any possible plea deal.
