Yeardley Love's Death Was "Accident," Says UVA Lacrosse Player George Huguely's Lawyer
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS/AP) The lawyer for George Huguely, the University of Virginia lacrosse player charged with first-degree murder, says the death of Yeardley Love was an accident.
PICTURES: Yeardley Love Murdered; George Huguely Charged
Earlier today, Huguely was arraigned via video conference at the General District Court in Charlottesville. Huguely did not enter a plea.
Because the investigation is ongoing, Huguely's defense lawyer Francis Lawrence could not release many details, but claimed that Love's death was an accident.
Lawrence says that he is confident that the death of Yeardley Love, 22, was not intended and has issued the following statement on Huguely's behalf:
"Because this case involves an active on-going investigation, any comment on the specific facts would be inappropriate at this time. Until more information becomes available, it is our hope that no conclusion will be drawn or judgments made about George or his case. However, we are confident that Miss Love death's was not intended but an accident with a tragic outcome. In the meantime George is withdrawing from UVA and remains in the custody of authorities. Grief has ascended on this community as we attempt to understand what happened and why. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who grieve this terrible loss."
Monday morning police responded to a call they received from Yeardley Love's roommate who believed the 22-year-old lacrosse player had an alcohol overdose, but police said when they arrived Love was already dead and had signs of apparent physical trauma. Hours later, George Huguely was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her death.
Police have been led to believe that Love and Huguely had been in a relationship at some point, and investigators plan to interview fellow teammates and friends about the nature of the relationship.
MEDIAPICTURES: Yeardley Love Murdered; George Huguely Charged
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