Printer Friendly
The Free Library
4,547,197 articles and books
Member login
User name  
Password 
 
Join us Forgot password?

Video shows former astronaut at airport


Former astronaut Lisa Nowak waited nearly an hour at the airport for the romantic rival she is accused of attacking, donning a trenchcoat as the woman looked for her bags, a video released Friday shows.

The security footage from Orlando International Airport depicts Nowak arriving at 12:33 a.m. Feb. 5, then following 10 to 15 yards behind Air Force Capt. Colleen Shipman as Shipman went to the baggage claim area.

Police say Nowak raced the 900 miles from Houston to the Orlando airport to confront Shipman, wearing an astronaut diaper so that she would not have to stop. She was arrested in February after police say she attacked Shipman in the parking lot, shortly after the video was taken.

Nowak, 44, has pleaded not guilty to attempted kidnapping, burglary with assault and battery. Authorities have said Nowak had an affair with Shipman's boyfriend, astronaut Bill Oefelein.

The judge has asked the prosecution and defense to limit contact with the media, so neither police nor prosecutors would discuss the tape. Nowak's defense did not immediately return calls and e-mails left after-hours Friday.

The video does not include footage of the alleged attack.

Before Shipman arrives, Nowak goes off camera for about five minutes and reappears. Nowak stands and intermittently paces, carrying a bag on one shoulder.

At one point she hurriedly walks to the baggage escalator, then reappears moments later. Shipman arrives about 50 minutes after the cameras show Nowak appear in the waiting area, and Nowak follows when she leaves.

Nowak appears to be standing just a few feet away as Shipman waits for her bags. After a couple minutes, the former astronaut pulls on and buttons a light-colored trench coat. The end of the tape, nearly three hours after Nowak's first security camera showing, shows someone with a light trenchcoat running.

Authorities have said Nowak pepper-sprayed Shipman after knocking on her window and saying she needed help.

Police said they found a BB gun, a new steel mallet, a knife and rubber tubing in Nowak's possession. NASA released Nowak from the astronaut corps a month after her arrest. Her trial has been moved to September.

Copyright 2007 AP News
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright (c) Mochila, Inc.

 Reader Opinion

Title:

Comment:



 

Article Details
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Author:TRAVIS REED
Publication:AP News
Date:May 12, 2007
Words:356
Previous Article:Mobster acquitted of couple's slaying
Next Article:Giuliani defends stance on abortion



Related Articles
Astronaut's trial to start in July
Astronaut could face trial in July
NASA will review mental health issues
Lawyer: Ex-astronaut didn't wear diaper
Lawyer: Ex-astronaut didn't wear diaper
NASA finds gouge on Endeavour's belly
Judge pushes back astronaut trial

Terms of use | Copyright © 2008 Farlex, Inc. | Feedback | For webmasters | Submit articles