The next episode in the case of former Austin Police Dept. officer Eric Snyder has been postponed until Sept. 29. Snyder faces charges of official oppression stemming from a complaint of excessive use of force. His attorney, Steve Edwards, argues that Snyder’s indictment should be thrown out because it is the product of selective enforcement by the APD. Edwards won the first round June 28, when Travis Co. District Judge Julie Kocurek ruled was enough evidence to suggest a pattern of disparate disciplinary practices exists within the police department, and that he may go forward with discovery in the case. Edwards seeks to call APD Chief Stan Knee to the stand to address these claims.
In a bizarre twist, the case had to be postponed after Assistant City Attorney David Douglas collapsed in court, just as he was preparing to argue that Knee should not be forced to take the stand. Kocurek had to reschedule the case: She had presided over Edwin Delamora‘s capital murder trial, which ended July 23 (see below). Conflicts with Edwards’ schedule have pushed the next chapter back until September, but the attorney says it’s possible the next hearing could happen earlier if the scheduling can be worked out. During the intermission, the suspense remains: Will Stan have to take the stand?
This article appears in July 26 • 2002.