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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2002

The federal magistrate overseeing the controversial Kennewick Man case expects to issue a ruling by Labor Day.

U.S. Magistrate John Jelderks wrote a letter to attorneys yesterday. The document was posted on the web site of scientists seeking to study the remains.

In the letter, Jelderks said he was poring over an enormous body of evidence. "The unusual delay in the case has in large part been due to the time required to review the entire record which, as you know, exceeded 20,000 pages," he told attorneys for the government and the scientists.

"I am currently working on the final draft of the decision and my schedule should allow me to have it filed before Labor Day," he added.

The status of the 9,000-year-old Kennewick Man has been a heavy scientific and legal debate. The Clinton administration determined that five Pacific Northwest tribes should receive the bones.

Scientists sued to get their hands on the remains, which they believe will reveal significant knowledge about America's past.

Relevant Documents:
Jelderks Letter (6/19)

Relevant Links:
Kennewick Man, Department of Interior - http://www.cr.nps.gov/aad/kennewick
Friends of America's Past - http://www.friendsofpast.org/main.html

Related Stories:
Kennewick Man to go to tribes (09/26)