Attys: Kerrigan brother too drunk to waive rights

WOBURN, Mass. — A Massachusetts judge is taking more evidence on a request by lawyers for skater Nancy Kerrigan's brother to throw out statements he made to police the night their father died.

A two-day hearing continues Friday. Mark Kerrigan has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the death of his 70-year-old father, Daniel Kerrigan, after a violent argument at their Stoneham home last year.

A police officer testified Thursday that Kerrigan told investigators he "grabbed his father by the throat" before he died.

Defense lawyers want such evidence barred. They say Kerrigan was too drunk to waive his right to remain silent, and that police questioned him after he said he didn't want to talk.

The Kerrigan family says Daniel Kerrigan died from a longstanding heart condition and Mark was not responsible.