News Briefing

Morris case to be discussed at PAC

Issues relating to the Nizah Morris homicide are expected to be discussed at the next Police Advisory Commission meeting, set for later this month.

Morris was a transgender woman found with a fatal head wound shortly after receiving a “courtesy ride” from Philadelphia police in 2002.

Her homicide remains unsolved, and the PAC issued a report last month that recommended state and federal probes.

The meeting is expected to provide PAC members with an opportunity to clarify their position on the release of additional investigative records relating to Morris’ homicide.

The meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 20 at 990 Spring Garden St., seventh floor.

Hearing rescheduled in Woody’s case

A hearing on the complaint filed by Tyree Lawson against Woody’s bar has been postponed until the summer.

Lawson contends that he was assaulted by a bouncer at the bar last July during a melee on the second floor.

The bouncer is identified in the lawsuit as “John Doe.”

According to court records, Lawson sustained a broken tooth and injuries to his face, leg and ankle due to the alleged assault.

Lawson’s attorney, William E. Averona, said Lawson no longer patronizes the bar, at 202 S. 13th St. in Midtown Village.

“What happened to my client is unconscionable,” Averona said. “This type of conduct has to stop, and I’m doing my part to put a stop to it.”

Lawson is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, not to exceed $50,000.

A hearing before a three-member arbitration panel was set for later this month, but it’s been rescheduled to 9:30 a.m. July 31 at the city’s Arbitration Center, 1880 JFK Blvd., fifth floor, according to court records.

Members of the arbitration panel haven’t been named at presstime.

Kevin L. Connors, an attorney for Woody’s, had no comment.

— Tim Cwiek

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