Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak, who was fired by NASA as an astronaut a month after an alleged confrontation with Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman, is still awaiting trial on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and attempted burglary with assault more than a year after she was arrested.Former astronaut Nowak still awaiting trialBy Kimberly C. Moore - Florida Today
Posted : Tuesday Feb 5, 2008 16:24:35 EST
ORLANDO, Fla. — It has been one year since former NASA astronaut Navy Capt. Lisa Nowak made her now-infamous drive from Houston to Orlando International Airport to allegedly attack a rival over the affections of fellow former astronaut Cmdr. William Oefelein.
Since then, details of the case — the 950-mile car ride, diapers, pepper spray — became fodder for late-night talk shows even as NASA tried to strengthen its psychological and health programs for flight crews.
But justice is awaiting the outcome of an appeal in the case.
Nowak’s trial on charges of attempted kidnapping, battery and attempted burglary with assault is on hold while the 5th District Court of Appeals in Daytona, Fla., determines if her statement to police and evidence found in her car should be admitted at her trial. Circuit Judge Marc Lubet agreed with the defense and ruled in December that they should not.
“The legal issues are carefully detailed by Judge Lubet’s order,” Nowak’s attorney, Donald Lykkebak, said in an e-mailed response to questions from Florida Today. “Nevertheless, the State continues to pursue the case by an appeal to the higher court.”
Rest of article at:
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_nowak_080205/