Tila’s Not Letting It Go: Report
Reality TV personality Tila Tequila accused Charger Shawne Merriman of choking her
By ERIC S. PAGE and TONY SHIN
Updated 8:32 AM PDT, Sat, Sep 12, 2009
Reality-show star Tila Tequila blasted back Friday night after the district attorney's office declined to press charges against San Diego Charger and NFL star Shawne Merriman, who she said choked her last weekend, reports an entertainment news Web site.
A representative for Tequila released a statement to TMZ.com saying, "The San Diego District Attorney's decision not to press charges … demonstrates an unconscionable negligence in the discharging of their public duties ... it seems clear that other interests are being served by the DA's office than the upholding of the law."
The statement released to TMZ Friday night also stated that the reality-show star would be pursuing a civil lawsuit.
On Friday, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office announced that no charges would be filed against Merriman.
"After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009, incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed. This case is now closed. No further comment will be made," read a statement released by the D.A.'s office.
"I'm not surprised about it," Merriman told the North County Times on Friday afternoon when he learned of the decision at the Chargers' practice facility. In a statement released later in the evening, Merriman thanked the district attorney and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for "carefully reviewing the case and not rushing to judgment."
Merriman was arrested early Sunday after Tequila accused him of choking and throwing her while she was at the San Diego Chargers player's suburban San Diego home. Tequila signed a citizen's arrest warrant accusing Merriman of battery and false imprisonment.
The Chargers star said he was trying to prevent her from leaving because she was drunk but he didn't harm her. Tequila's attorney called the linebacker's explanation of the altercation with the reality star that led to his arrest "spin." Attorney Alan S. Gutman said Merriman's public comments that he was trying to protect Tequila, who he thought was drunk, amounted to another attack on his client.
First Published: Sep 12, 2009 8:22 AM PDT on NBC San Diego
You Might Like
You have 2000 characters left
