Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 19, 1994 TAG: 9405190178
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. LENGTH: Medium
Niagara County Family Court Judge Spencer Lerch on Tuesday ordered the trial to determine if Bobbitt is the father of 17-month-old Andrew Williams, whose mother is suing Bobbitt for child support.
At a 45-minute closed-door hearing, Bobbitt denied he was the boy's father. ``I'll see you Friday,'' was Bobbitt's only comment to reporters as he left the courthouse.
Beatrice Williams, 21, who lives on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation near Niagara Falls, said Bobbitt got her pregnant when they were dating two years ago.
Two blood tests indicate that Bobbitt is probably 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.
Williams is suing for child support, which under New York law could amount to 17 percent of Bobbitt's income.
The mother's attorney, William Berard III, 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.
``This guy's barnstorming across the country, carefree, making money, and she's working five, six days a week to support her child,'' Berard said.
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.
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.
Surgeons reattached Bobbitt's penis, and the Bobbitts are getting divorced.
On May 6, Bobbitt was charged with battering his fiancee, Kristina Elliott, in Las Vegas, though both said the incident was a misunderstanding.
by CNB