Ex-cop seeking new trial in slaying

Former Metro Police Officer Ron Mortensen has filed a motion in District court seeking a new trial because of the discovery of new evidence that he says would have discredited an eyewitness who testified against him.

Mortensen, serving a life sentence for slaying 21-year-old Daniel Mendoza in a Dec. 26, 1996, drive-by shooting, filed the motion Thursday in District Court through his attorney Frank Cremen.

He alleges that Ruben Ramirez, a key prosecution witness who testified against him during his 1997 trial, had been arrested twice on weapons charges. Such discrediting information was not available during trial, the suit says.

In related action, a hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday before the Nevada Supreme Court in Las Vegas on a denial of a prior motion seeking a new trial.

Mortensen has long contended that fellow Metro Officer Christopher Brady, who was not charged with any crime, did the shooting while the two were riding in Brady's truck and celebrating Mortensen's 31st birthday.

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