UPDATED -- Chief Beck reaffirmed his confidence in the LAPD's investigation against Giovanni Ramirez in an interview with the LA Times. He maintained that Ramirez was still the "main suspect," but admitted there was still much work to be done before the case could be filed with the district attorney. Regarding the comments to KFI News, Beck clarified, "Had I been speaking about this case, I would have said that I expect the investigation to lead to a conviction."
PREVIOUSLY -- For the first time today, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck may have indicated that he is no longer "absolutely" confident that Giovanni Ramirez is responsible for the attack on Bryan Stow at Dodgers Stadium.
Speaking to the press today, Beck admitted that the LAPD's ongoing investigation could clear Ramirez's name, reports KFI News. "If it leads to a conviction, if it leads to exoneration, wherever it leads, we will follow the case," said Beck.
The case against Giovanni Ramirez, which has yet to be filed with the District Attorney, has taken some twists and turns in the public arena.
Ramirez was arrested on May 22 in a dramatic police raid of his East Hollywood apartment. A tip from Ramirez's parole officer led the LAPD to the suspect, whom Beck called "the main aggressor."
Later it was revealed that Ramirez was possibly connected to a shooting in Nevada, but a source confirmed that Nevada authorities had not issued a warrant for his arrest, reports the LA Times.
Ramirez's legal defense consists of several alibis, most notably his young daughter. She spoke out earlier this month about the day that Bryan Stow was attacked, saying, "I pretty much know it's not him." Ramirez has also taken several lie-detector tests and his lawyers are seeking security footage that may show him walking around other parts of the city on the day of the attack.
Ramirez was recently sentenced to 10 months in prison for parole violations unrelated to the Bryan Stow beating case.