Investigators to interview new witness in Tamara Greene lawsuit

A Detroit Fire Department lieutenant who came forward after five years to say he encountered an injured Tamara Greene said he has been contacted by Wayne County prosecutors and the state Attorney General’s Office to set up official interviews for his statement.

Lt. Michael J. Kearns spoke to the media Thursday about his encounter with Greene, who told him she had been beaten by the Detroit mayor’s wife after dancing at Manoogian Mansion in the fall of 2002. Greene was 27 in 2003 when shot to death in a car on the city’s west side.

Kearns, who has 22 years with the city, said he has nothing to gain by coming forward with his story.

“I feel bad. I feel really bad. I feel I owe the family an apology,” Kearns said.

Norman Yatooma, the Birmingham lawyer who is representing Greene’s family, said he has requested and is waiting for medical records on Greene from Detroit hospitals for 2002.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has consistently denied that the party ever happened. Attorney General Mike Cox investigated it and dismissed it as an urban legend.
However, former Deputy Chief Gary Brown and another officer successfully sued the city for $8.4 million because they alleged, among other things, that they were retaliated against because they either had knowledge of or were ready to investigate the existence of the party.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Greene’s son, Jonathan Bond, and alleges that the Police Department deliberately dragged its feet in solving the death of the exotic dancer because of political reasons. The case seeks more than $150 million in damages.

You can reach Jennifer Chambers at (248) 647-7402 or jchambers@detnews.com.