Detroit seeks dismissal of homicide suit

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DETROIT, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Detroit officials have asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit brought by the family of an exotic dancer who was gunned down in 2003.

The family of Tamara Greene says police covered up a connection between Greene and former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, now in state prison and facing federal charges. In their lawsuit they say Greene performed at a party at the mayor's mansion in 2002.

In court papers filed Wednesday, city lawyers moved to have the details of their motion kept under seal, the Detroit Free Press reported. They said secrecy is needed to protect an informant and to preserve the confidentiality of the investigation into the killing.

John Schapka, a lawyer for the city, said Greene's family has made no case that Kilpatrick was involved, that she performed at Manoogian Mansion or that the party ever took place, The Detroit News reported.

"Contrary to anecdotal speculation and second-, third- and fourth-hand information originating from unidentified sources, the facts and evidence provide no ... nexus between the existence of a party at the Manoogian Mansion and Tamara Greene's death," Schapka said.

Norman Yatooma, representing the Greene family, has a three-week deadline to respond. He says he will show Kilpatrick short-circuited the homicide investigation.