Ex-Punter Charged With Attempted Murder

DENVER - Prosecutors filed a charge of attempted first-degree murder Thursday against a former University of Northern Colorado backup punter accused of stabbing the starter in his kicking leg in a case that drew comparisons to the Tonya Harding-Nancy Kerrigan rivalry.

Mitchell Cozad, 21, is accused of stabbing Rafael Mendoza on Sept. 11 outside Mendoza's apartment.

Cozad, of Wheatland, Wyo., also faces one count of second-degree assault. Prosecutors said he could face up to 48 years in prison if convicted.

Weld County district attorney's spokeswoman Jennifer Finch said a warrant was issued for Cozad's arrest, and bail would be set at $500,000. She said he was not yet in custody, and she did not know where he was.

Cozad's attorney, Joseph A. Gavaldon, did not immediately return a call. A man who answered Cozad's mobile phone number hung up without commenting.

Mendoza was treated for a 3- to 5-inch deep puncture wound in his right thigh and released. He has returned to the team.

Cozad was suspended from the team and the university.

Evans Police Lt. Gary Kessler has said the motive appeared to be competition for the starting job. The attack prompted comparisons to an attack by figure skater Harding's hit man on Kerrigan.

The severity of the charge surprised some.

"Based on the facts we've heard, it does sound a little over the top," said Scott Robinson, a Denver defense attorney and legal analyst.

Finch said that after their investigation, prosecutors felt the attempted murder and assault counts "were the appropriate charges." She did not elaborate.

Robinson added that prosecutors might be trying to pressure Cozad to identify an accomplice or intimidate him into accepting a plea bargain.

In mid-September, Kessler said witnesses saw an alleged accomplice standing near the getaway car just after Mendoza was stabbed.

"He didn't play a role in the assault, but he played a role in the crime," Kessler said at the time. "He was dressed in black clothing. He was involved in the aftermath of the incident."

Police also have said a liquor store employee called police not long after the attack to report two men were removing tape from the license plates of a nearby car. Once removed, the employee saw the license plate number read "8-KIKR," helping lead police to Cozad's family.

Police did not immediately return a call Thursday.

Northern Colorado spokesman Eric Scott said he could not comment. Mendoza did not immediately return a message.

Last month, Weld County District Attorney Kenneth R. Buck delayed filing charges in the case, saying he needed more information.

Mendoza told The Associated Press this month he is struggling with flashbacks from the attack.

"It's been tough and scary," he said. "It's hard for (my family), it's hard for me, it's hard for them wondering what's going to happen. But I know they (authorities) are doing their job. They're doing everything they possibly can to let justice run its course."