The Law

By Timothy Roche and David Jordan/Atlanta

The trail of blood seemed to be leading nowhere last week in the murder trial of Baltimore Ravens football star RAY LEWIS. In what court observers describe as a "kaleidoscope of confusion," district attorney PAUL HOWARD, trying his first case since being elected four years ago, is scrambling to salvage the remainder of his case after witnesses gave conflicting accounts about the stabbing deaths of two men last Super Bowl Sunday in Atlanta. The state's key witness, DUANE FASSETT, had driven the alleged getaway car. Pale and hyperventilating on the stand, he backed off earlier claims that he saw Lewis throw a punch and overheard co-defendants REGINALD OAKLEY and JOSEPH SWEETING admit to stabbing someone. The flip-flop testimony raised questions about whether cops rushed judgments and overlooked evidence. Prosecutors are trying the patience of Judge Alice Bonner, and may wind up resting their case this week without linking Lewis to a murder weapon. Observers say they would not be surprised if the judge directed a not-guilty verdict. Or if Ed Garland, who represents Lewis, decides not to call any defense witnesses. It's no wonder some locals are beginning to call the case "O.J. East."

--By Timothy Roche and David Jordan/Atlanta