11/22/2002

By DAVE NORTHFIELD and ANTONIA GIEDWOYN, KGW Staff

After a tense court hearing lasting nearly three days, a Clackamas County judge granted Mallori Weaver permission to see her father, accused double murderer Ward Weaver, during a supervised jail visit.

She was allowed to visit her father Thursday, but decided against it.

If and when she does visit, Mallori Weaver will be accompanied by a state social worker, and she will be separated from her father by a metal mesh screen.

"We're going to bring Ward Weaver in restraints to the inmate side of the visiting area, we're going to have a deputy with him throughout the entire interview,” said Deputy Jack Catto with the Clackamas Co. Sheriff’s Department.

Ward Weaver. (KGW File Photo)

Clackamas Co. District Attorney Greg Horner says he wishes the meeting had been denied. Horner says that in addition to the potential trauma Mallori Weaver may experience, her father may try to manipulate his daughter’s testimony in the case.

Defense attorney John Henry Hingson disagrees, saying that if anyone will be put at risk by the meeting, it will be Ward Weaver.

"The man has exhibited an unbelievable propensity to shoot from the lip. If I were in their shoes, I would be asking for funds for a muzzle,” said Hingson.

The defense attorney also noted that the jailhouse conversation will be monitored.

"They can listen, and they can learn, and they will listen, and they will learn," said Hingson.

For if Ward Weaver were to forget how closely he’s being watched, his daughter’s visit could turn into a gift for the prosecution.

The visit may last up to an hour and will likely take place Sunday.