Police probe slaying

Is Hamlin beating linked to death? Seattle safety has retained a lawyer

SEATTLE— Seattle police are looking into a report that a man found shot to death was one of the men involved in a fight hours earlier that left Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin in hospital with serious head injuries. The medical examiner identified the dead man yesterday as Terrell Milam, 31, saying he died of multiple gunshot wounds. Tramaine Isabell, who said he was Milam’s brother, said video of the fight early Monday showed Milam punching Hamlin outside Larry’s Nightclub.

Isabell gave his account to local TV stations and the Seattle PostIntelligencer. He was not at the club when the fight occurred.

Ajogger found Milam dead at 5 a. m. Monday, three hours after the fight outside Larry’s that left Hamlin with a fractured skull, a blood clot in his brain and bruising of the brain tissue.

Seattle police spokesman Rich Pruitt said late Monday that investigators had no proof there was any connection between the fight and the slaying. “ We’re investigating both incidents,” he said. “. . . We will look into all rumours and tips and check them out.” Yesterday afternoon, police said they had no updates on their investigations. Hamlin remained in serious but stable condition in intensive care. Doctors are watching to ascertain whether the blood clot is growing. Hamlin’s agent, Lawrence Temple, released a statement last night stating Hamlin has retained Seattle attorney John Wolfe “ to defend himself against any false accusations.” Temple also said Hamlin is conscious and has his family with him. A police report said Hamlin was injured in a fight that broke out as he and his girlfriend were pushing their way out of the nightclub. Witnesses told police that Hamlin was also hit with a street sign during the fight.