Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 18, 1994 TAG: 9405180082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. LENGTH: Medium
At a 45-minute closed hearing, Bobbitt denied he was the father of Beatrice Williams' son, Andrew, who was born in December 1992.
Two blood tests indicated that Bobbitt probably is the father of Beatrice Williams' baby. But Bobbitt's attorney, Michael Iacono, said the tests could be wrong.
"That one factor is not enough proof," Iacono said.
Niagara County Family Court Judge Spencer Lerch scheduled a trial for Friday. That proceeding also will be closed to the public.
"I'll see you Friday," was Bobbitt's only comment to reporters as he left the courthouse.
Williams, 21, who lives on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation near Niagara Falls, said Bobbitt got her pregnant when they were dating two years ago. She is suing for child support, which under New York law could amount to 17 percent of Bobbitt's income.
William Berard III, Williams' attorney, said Bobbitt has made up to $500,000 from publicity appearances since his wife Lorena cut off his penis last summer at their home in Manassas, Va.
Williams ``has really gotten the short end of the stick,'' Berard said. ``This guy's barnstorming across the country, carefree, making money, and she's working five, six days a week to support her child.''
Money raised by Bobbitt has gone toward medical and legal expenses, Iacono said. Bobbitt has asked a state Supreme Court judge in Buffalo to appoint a guardian to oversee his finances, which are in disarray, Iacono said.
Bobbitt, 27, grew up near Niagara Falls and is a legal resident of New York state.
Both attorneys said they hoped the case will be settled Friday.
``I think he'll walk out of here a daddy on Friday, whether by the judge's decision or by his own admission,'' Berard said.
Bobbitt was not expected to show up at Tuesday's hearing, but did because he faced a possible contempt-of-court citation. He missed a court hearing in Buffalo on Monday on his request for a guardian, claiming he had a respiratory infection and was too ill to fly in from Las Vegas.
Lorena Bobbitt claimed she cut off her husband's penis because he had sexually abused her. Bobbitt was acquitted of sexual assault charges, and his wife was found innocent by reason of insanity.
by CNB