The killing of a University of Virginia lacrosse player found dead in her bedroom was a terrible accident, a lawyer for the student accused in her death said Tuesday.
George Huguely, 22, a member of UVa’s nationally ranked men’s lacrosse team, faces a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of Yeardley Love, also 22.
Lawyer Francis McQ. Lawrence on Tuesday read a statement from Huguely and his family to a throng of media outside the Charlottesville General District courthouse.
“Because this case involves an active ongoing investigation, any comment on the specific facts would be inappropriate at this time,” Lawrence said. “Until more information becomes available, it is our hope that no conclusions will be drawn or judgments made about George or his case.”
“However,” he said, “we are confident that Ms. Love’s death was not intended, but an accident with a tragic outcome.”
Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Md., is withdrawing from UVa amid the accusations.
The university already has removed him from the roster of the lacrosse team, which is ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Lawrence’s statements outside the court foreshadow the line of defense that likely will be employed at Huguely’s forthcoming murder trial.
Huguely, a fourth-year anthropology major, appeared via video Tuesday morning from the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail for what originally was thought to be a bond hearing. However, Lawrence didn’t ask to take up the issue of bond but instead asked for another court date at which a preliminary hearing could be set.
The attorney said in court that some materials had been sent to the lab, but the testing results likely wouldn’t come back quickly. It was not clear if that is the reason for the new court date request.
The city prosecutor didn’t comment on the case.
Police arrived early Monday morning at Love’s 14th Street Northwest apartment for what was thought to be a possible alcohol overdose. Love was found unresponsive in her bedroom, authorities have said, and she had signs of physical trauma on her body.
Despite efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Love’s cause of death won’t be determined until an autopsy is completed, police said.
Huguely was arrested Monday at his apartment, not far from Love’s.
“Grief has descended on this community as we attempt to understand what happened and why,” Lawrence said, reading from the Huguely family statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who grieve this terrible loss.”
Huguely will return to court June 10.
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