Murder trial for Lewis, codefendants set for May 15

ATLANTA (AP) -- Lawyers for Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis wanted a speedy trial, and they got it. Lewis and two codefendants accused of killing two men outside an Atlanta nightclub will go on

Thursday, February 24th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ATLANTA (AP) -- Lawyers for Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis wanted a speedy trial, and they got it. Lewis and two codefendants accused of killing two men outside an Atlanta nightclub will go on trial May 15, defense attorney Ed Garland said Wednesday.

"We're happy with the trial date and the processes that are under way," Garland said after a conference in the judge's chambers. "We'll be ready to go," Assistant District Attorney Clint Rucker said. Garland said the trial date was among the items prosecutors and attorneys for the three defendants discussed with Superior Court Judge Alice D. Bonner. Lawyers on both sides declined to elaborate on the proceedings, citing a gag order imposed by Bonner.

Lewis, 24; Joseph Sweeting, 34, of Miami; and Reginald Oakley, 31, of Baltimore, were indicted on murder charges Feb. 11. They are accused of fatally stabbing Richard Lollar, 24, and Jacinth Baker, 21, during a brawl that erupted during post-Super Bowl celebrations.

Garland said prosecutors have not indicated whether they plan to seek the death penalty, in which case the defendants would be tried separately. Lewis' lawyers maintain he tried to stop the fight and that he was at least 60 feet away when Lollar and Baker, both of nearby Decatur, were stabbed.

Police say Lewis drove away in a limousine and later lied when they tried to determine who was in his entourage. Lewis posted $1 million bond and returned to his suburban Baltimore home last week, where he publicly proclaimed his innocence. His codefendants await a bond hearing.

Last week, team officials said Lewis' legal troubles have not affected his status with the Ravens and said they would not address the matter again. Garland said he anticipates waiving an arraignment set for March 10. He also said he doesn't expect Lewis to return to Atlanta until the May 15 trial.