© Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
49ers linebacker Reuben Foster’s plea hearing on a domestic violence charge has been rescheduled to May 8 to give the prosecutor more time to review additional evidence.
Foster appeared briefly in a San Jose courtroom Monday morning. Afterwards, Jim Demertzis, the Santa Clara Supervising Deputy District Attorney, addressed the case and provided reasoning for the delay.
“Additional evidence was provided to the people which warrants further investigation so that we can take this case to a just result,” Demertzis told reporters.
Demertzis refrained from giving specifics, emphasizing that more evidence needs to be compiled before reaching a verdict.
On Apr. 12, Foster was charged with ‘domestic violence with an allegation that he inflicted great bodily injury, forcefully attempting to prevent a victim from reporting a crime, and possession of an assault weapon,’ according to the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office. If convicted, Foster could face up to 11 years in prison.
The 49ers haven’t released Foster, though, staying patient and letting the legal process play out. Last week, general manager John Lynch said if the charges against Foster are proven true, he will be released.
Last Wednesday provided another turn in the Foster saga. Elissa Ennis, Foster’s girlfriend at the time, recanted her accusations against Foster. She said her injuries were caused in an altercation with another woman, not Foster, and that he tried to break up with Ennis after the incident.
“There was a video submitted to the people,” Demertzis said. “Out of respect for Mr. Foster’s due process rights, and to the integrity of the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on the evidence other than in the courtroom.”
Foster has not been allowed access to the 49ers’ facilities since the three felony charges were announced. This case has lingered, from the initial arrest on Feb. 11, to the felony charges that were announced on Apr. 12, and now to the plea hearing’s rescheduling.
“We understand that people have a lot of questions about this case, ” Demertzis said. “What’s important to keep in mind is that, sadly too often, victims of domestic violence for a host of reasons choose not to cooperate with the process that holds their abuser accountable.”
