Tests Show Cedeno Had Not Fired Gun

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Police said Thursday a paraffin test indicated baseball star Cesar Cedeno, accused in the shooting death of a young woman in a motel room, had not recently fired a weapon, but that the girl had. A preliminary hearing on the voluntary manslaughter charge facing Cedeno was adjourned until tomorrow when magistrate Socrates Diaz Curiel was unable to appear in court.

Cedeno, 22-year-old outfielder of the Houston Astros, remained in La Fe precinct jail, where he has been held since surrendering eight hours after 19-year-old Altagracia De La Cruz was fatally shot while occupying a motel room with him. Police have said that a .38-caliber pistol registered to Cedeno was being examined by the girl and went off when Cedeno tried to take it away from her. They have termed the shooting "accidental."

Legal sources said that even if the charge against Cedeno is reduced, it is probable that the lengthy Dominican legal process may make him miss spring training and possibly part of the baseball season, which opens in April. Conviction on voluntary manslaughter carries a term of 3 to 10 years.

[source: upi]