By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The mother of the 19-year old Buffalo man charged with shooting two Buffalo cops is making some harsh new accusations. But prosecutors are denying the claims.
Varner Harris is accused of shooting officers Patty Parete and Carl Andolina in December following a fight outside an Elmwood Avenue convenience store.
A homicide detective questioned Harris the night of the shootings, taking a four page written confession signed by Harris.
But now his mother, Theresa Moore of Buffalo, says some city cops beat up her son the night he was arrested and questioned. Moore made the accusations outside of State Supreme court Monday after her son appeared for what is know as a Huntley hearing. The defense is seeking to have Harris's confession thrown out.
Erie County District attorney Frank Clark says this is the first time he is hearing claims of Harris being beaten by cops. Clark says Harris never sought medical help or told anyone he was roughed up at that time.
Dell is preparing a psychiatric defense. He says he does not believe Harris was emotionally capable of voluntarily given a statement. Harris's mother says her son is mentally retarded.
A homicide detective and a police office both testified Monday's hearing that there were never any threats, promises or coercion made to Harris during his arrest or questioning.
Judge Penny Wolfgang reserved decision on the confession. Jury selection for Harri's trial begins September 4th.
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