may marion barry dodges another legal bullet. why prosecutors have decided not to tour sue those stalking charges and what his accuser has to say. >> operator error. a metro worker caught on video texting while driving a train. why his punishment has left some people outraged. >> and happy birthday. yes, tai shan is turning 4 years old. how the national zoo plans to celebrate this panda milestone. good morning to you and welcome to "news 4 today." i'm joe krebs. >> and i'm barbara harrison. it's thursday, july 9th, 2009. we'll have much more on our top stories after we take a look at traffic and weather on the 1s. >> meteorologist tom kierein has joined us here in the studio, right there. >> hey, tom. going to the birthday party? >> sure. why not? get a frozen treat. you might want it later on today. will get up to around 80 or so. there's venus gleaming brilliantly in the eastern sky. in the western sky, got the juas-pfunasoo m andooitup j.er thg clouds.om cing int is ho iur, 67w waonsh67ingt. inray oay roo dright r no w, ano p

a spokesperson for marion barry says the two had lunch together yesterday and a person close to barry tells news 4 the two had plans to go to rehob edge beach and apparently the woman decided she didn't want to go. they returned back to d.c. and at some point last night ended up here in anacostia park in separate vehicles. police said she flagged them down and said she was being stalked. >> council member barry is no stalker. he is someone who lended his hand to assist which in the end has come back to bite him. >> reporter: a spokeswom for marion barry says he's innocent of the stalking charges placed against him saturday night by u.s. park police. >> it is ourope that the charges councilman barry faces today will be dropped or if nothing more that the truth of the matter will prevail in a court of law. >> reporter: natalie williams says the accuser is donna watts. he considers her a close personal friend who also volunteere on his campaign. williams says barry helped watts through personal and health and employment hardships over the years. >> never did mr. barry think that this wou

barry should have never been made. >> spokesperson natalie williams confirmed council member barry did award an employment contract to donna watts brighthoff, the woman at the center of the arrest controversy. >> ms. watts at the time, was qualified for the position and went through the proper channels in order to get, be awarded for that contract. >> for donna watts brighthoff, a painful end to the relationship with the most controversial charismatic politician in d.c. history. he claims he was intensely jealous of her ex-husband who remains a friend and helped her through cancer treatment. here's how she describes what happened after barry left her home, july 4th. >> i said he is bothering me. make sure he goes home. i thought it was d.c. police. because they just let him go. i wasn't thinking that i was -- that's my fault. i wasn't thinking bad things. i wasn't thinking the worst. >> she says she was blinded by what she still refers to as barry's political brilliance. but she says there is one mistake she will not make again. >> it's never his fault. he is never wrong. and -- he is

mayor marion barry.e was arrested and charged with stalking a woman on the fourth of july. >> today we could hear more about what happened from the barry side. news 4's megan mcgrath joins us live from southeast with more on this interesting story. megan? >> reporter: good morning. there are actually a couple of different varying accounts of what happened saturday night. there is the police version. there's also the account being told by the woman at the heart of the allegation, donna watts, as well as barry's own account. we're expected to learn more about what marion barry has to say about what happened later on this morning. there is a press conference scheduled for 10:00 a.m. today. now, this all happened saturday evening at about 8:45. u.s. park police say a woman flagged down an oicer who was patrolling an anacostia park near good hope road. police say the woman pointed to marion barry, who was in another car and said he was stalking her. marion barry was taken into custody and later charged with m

against barry.mong the crowd, his accuser. sarah simmons is joining us with more. >> reporter: donna watts said she wanted to hear what the spokesperson had to say during the press conference. she told a crowd of reporters that watts was under psychiatric scare and diagnose wade compulsive disorder. this all temperatures from an incident saturday night. marion barry was arrested by u.s. park police for allegedly stalking watts at an dost i can't park. barry has denied the allegations and called watts unstable. she admitted early on that the two used to date. since saturday's incident, she told reporters she never flagged don a park police officer and never accused barry of stalking her. barry's spokesperson says the controversy that has developed since then forced them to disclose what they say is the truth about watts. >> ms. watts should not be believed. her allegations against mr. barry are simply not true. they are lies. according to ms. watts herself, she is currently under the care of a local

barry just simply are not true, they are lies. with regard to the allegations regarding councilman barry, let me say that the events surrounding the contract have nothing to do with the events which occurred over the 4th of july weekend. but because of the media choosing to make big of this, i believe it is important to help thresidents of the district of columbia learn about the actions surrounding the contract to ms. watts. ms. watts was awarded a contract by mr. barry in september of 2009. the contract was for six -- i'm sorry in september of 2008. the contract was for $60,000 to begiven out in amounts of 5000 a month. the contract was entitled merging leaders. it was designed to develop a program to identify and recruit and develop the next leaders of ward 8. the contracted was awarded to ms. watts because she met the qualifications for the job. and what was needed to be done for the job. this was council member barry's response to the situation with ms. watts, we are speaking of the fact that ms. watts was about to lose her h

a judge later found barry not guilty. december 2006, park police charge barry with driving on o suspennsd celie. c.d.th dmv later blames a computer error. in february this year, prosecutors seek to revoke barry's tax probation after he's late filing again. a judge extends the probation two more years. and then the four-day drama over his relationship with a woman that he's dated. it ends with no charges being filed. tom sherwood, "news 4 today." >> sources tell news 4 that neither barry nor his attorney will likely be present in the urtroom to hear these recent stalking charges dismissed. >> stay with us now. "news 4 today" continues at 5:00 a.m.

>> reporter: barry's spokesperson quickly named the woman accusing marion barry of stalking her but fox 5 has made a con shous decision not to reveal her name because according to the police she is the victim in the case. but barry's people say instead of being a predator he's the victim. because the woman was quota very close friend who has now betrayed him. the u.s. park police say it started just before the fireworks. around 8:45 at night near the corner of anacostia drive in southeast. >> a united states park police officer was flagged down bay woman who stated she was being bothered and stalked by a person in another car. >> reporter: the park police say it was marion barry inside the car. barry was arrested, charged with misdemeanortalking, issued a citation and released from jail. >> he considered her his very close friend. and so thanksgivings that is why today he feels -- that is why today he feels betrayed by his actions. >> reporter: natalie williams spoke on his behalf, saying barry has known his accuser for several years. they had lunch the day he was arrested. her spokeswo

barry. >> reporter: barry was arrested on the fourth of july. an officer on patrol was flagged down by the woman, and she pointed to barry who was in another car and said that he was stalking her. barry was taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor stalking. >> reporter: in a sometimes ram bulling statement that is sometimes hard to follow, the woman took issue with the way that she was chzeacrited. and she says "those that truly know marion barry will not be so quick to docondemn me, and thos that know me will not be so quick to condemn me." she says there is a lot of confusion surrounding the events and what happened even among those that were involved. back to you joe and barbara. >> megan, thank you very much. >>> councilman marion barry is no stranger to broken laws. he was videotaped smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room during an fbi sting. and he got a ticket for operating a vehicle even though his license was suspended. that same year a judge sentenced him for not filing his federal and d.c. tax returns. dd prosecutorsaide faile i

barry at this hour is betrayed. >> reporter: u.s. park police say watts was in her vehicle in anacostia park around 8:45 saturday night and she flagged down an officer on patrol. police say she told the officer she was being stalked by barry who was in a separate vehicle. houttwo became to be in the park is unzpleer mr. barry was transported to the united states park police. and after being interviewed by detectives by the u.s. park police and consultation with the u.s. attorney's office a charge of a misdemeanor charge of staurkg acwapls edgainst mr. barry. >> reporter: wat tewold n sd 4, did fot aglanyone wngdo ar id fili f chs.ge the police pulled him over. he got pulled over for a traffic violation and he tried to cut me off, end quote. this is the latest in a string of legal troubles for barry. who is on probation for failing to file his taxes on time. >> it's pretty sad. i mean, aot of young kids look up to him and so far as a role model and everything and it's an unfortunate situation. >> i think it's bogus. i think it's bogus

council member marion barry.lking charges against him have been dropped, the investigation is apparently far from over. the woman at the center of the debate is donna watts-brighthaupt. she is barry's former girlfriend. now "the washington post" reports that fellow council members want to investigate barry's decision to award her a council contract after the two started dating. barry would not comment on the contract, but he's talking now about his recent arrest. >> mr. morales and the national park service police have caused great pain in my family and this community and the nation. if this inappropriate arrest had not occurred, we wouldn't be going through this pain. >> watts-brighthaupt has admitted the reports that barry was stalking her was a misunderstanding. park police issued a statement saying they believed they did have enough evidence to arrest barry. barry says he will pursue a further explanation. >> it's president obama's last day at the g 8 summit and he has some high profile things on his agenda.

councilman marion barry it. we're now hearing a voice mail from marion barry, who is accused of stalking his ex- girlfriend, donna watts- brighthaupt. sam ford has the latest. >> this all started on july 4 when 40-year-old donna watts- brighthaupt flag down park police officers and pointed out a man she said was stalking her, who turned out to be marion barry, age 73. he was charged with misdemeanor stalking, and the story has grown day-by-day. for councilmember marion barry, it has to be embarrassing. ex-girlfriend donna watts- brighthaupt with whom he had been feeding, released her voice mail to the washington city paper, which put them on line. >> in most of the messages, marion barry is trying to get her to stop seeing her ex- husband. >> also today, the d.c. council released dozens of documents showing marion berry put his girlfriend on the council payroll as a $5,000 per month consultant to organize a meeting on poverty reduction, sometimes terminating and reinstating her contract. >> no comment. >> watts-

barry. we didn't hear from mr. barry himself. >> unfortunately we're having a little technical difficulty there with the shot. we'll work on that and try to get back to him in a few minutes. >>> sarah palin's bomb shell continues to make waves. was it a smart move or a political swansong? >>> and the washington post makes an apology for offering to sell access to the president at a high price. hear what the publisher wrote in the paper. >>> what would you think if we told you that stimulus money is going to create temporary jobs for the summer? stick aroun d.  >>> we have reestablished our 10 connects with paul for the latest on the marion barry arrest. >> reporter: just a few moments ago mr. barry stood out here and didn't speak but his attorney spoke for him. mr. cook went through what he says happened only july 4th. some of the highlights, barry denies the charge. he says the stalking charges are baseless. he said that we'll demonstrate in court that the charges are false. he also pointed out t

marion barry's office says the allegations of stalking are false. as for the latest news that he gave a contract, that he hired his ex-girlfriend what they were dating, he said that it was a legal contract, that it was under the guidelines of the city council, but then this seemed to turn into a personal attack on the ex-girlfriend. she then responds. here is the spokesperson. >> according to ms. donna watts- brighthaupt, she is currently under the care of the local psychiatrist and has been diagnosed with compulsive behavior disorder and clinical depression. ladies and gentlemen of the district of columbia, ms. donna watts-brighthaupt should not be believed. her allegations are simply not true. they are lies. >> it looks like they are scared of something. i haven't said anything. i must be bad. >> that was the alleged accuser. marion barry's spokesperson saying that she is unstable, saying that loud and clear to hethrough his spokesperson. obviously, a developing story. we will have more on this. >>> free plastic bags in the district will soon beco

barry should have never taken place. >> reporter: for the allege victim, former barry girlfriend, donna watts the ending is not so happy. >> i hate the fact i'm going down in history as one of the many women who he thinks he's defeated. yet there is something else that may happen. after the arrest it was brought to light that barry hired donna watts on a city payroll with a $60,000 no bid contract and that has some dc council members upset. one is asking for an investigation either by the council or by the district attorney general peter nichols. so a lot more episodes to go in the marion barry reality show. the question is anyone watching or does anyone care? back to you. >>> we are learning more about virginia governor tim kaine's moon lighting job. he's talking able how he is splitting his time as the head of the head of the democratic national committee. he says he spends a day and a half each workweek dealing with dnc business. most of it is fund-raising and policy issues. he is still keeping his travel plans confidential. >>> metro has some more tough questions to answer today. qu

barry is no stalker. he is someone who has lended his hand to assist which in the end has come back to bite him. >> watts now denies flagging down the park police officer. she says she ver accused barry of stalking her. she wants police to retract the charge. barry's lawyer plans to held a news conference later this morning. >>> now to the death on michael jackson. the familiar lift late pop star will head to court to begin iring out the details of his estate. they are planning a private ceremony at a cetery in hollywood hills. more than one and a half million fans registered on-line for tickets to the staples center service. the fans are now finding out via e-mail if they received the tickets. >>> the together of former nfl quarterback steve mcnair has been ruled a homicide. police found mcnair and a 20- year-old woman both shot to death in a nashville condominium on saturday. a gun was found near the woman. she and mcnair had been date floofght few months even though mcnair was married with four childre

marion barry said. police held him on the side of the road 90 minutes, and then they arrested, handcuffs, and held him another four hours was stalking charges which were ultimately thrown out. he described the episode as the talk of the town. >> he should go away. that is marion barry. >> i think it is very much in character. >> around washington, this latest episode brings the expected reaction and the expected denunciations of the park police by marion barry. >> cnn reported marion barry and arrested again. >> he was arrested fourth of july night after park police say, -- say donna watts- brighthaupt flag them down and said marion barry was stalking her. then the news came out that he paid her $5,000er month to organize poverty programs. >> ira every penny that i earned. >> were you girlfriend? >> i was not his girlfriend. >> reporters peppered marion barry with questions about city funds, but he would not discuss that, though he did respond when asked of his relation with watts-brighthaupt. >> it is

barry's spokesperson calls her unstable. but she is under the care of a local psychiatrist and has been diagnosed with compulsive behavior disorder and clinical depression. >> the woman accused barry of stalking her and says the allegations are not true. >> i have not said anything. they are scared of something. >> their history goes well beyond this past week. she was hired last september as a leadership recruiter. the city pays for $60,000 for purchase services. barry says he did this to help route and a tough time. he says he hired her during a time when she was about to lose heart and her home. he says he did nothing illegal in hiring her. pamela brown, abc 7 news. >> thank you. >>> 6:49. time for a check on our top stories. >> president obama is in italy. there will be three days of intense talks. they will talk about the global economy prices and world hunger. >> the ntsb is investigating a fatal crash at disney world. they do not usually conduct investigations on private property. they want to prevent future tragedies

barry's office. yes, certainly, those are questions that we want to address, issues that we want to look at. i don't want to leap to judgment either. we want to look systematically at these things and see if the contract was properly executed in the first pce. >> reporter: according to record provided by the council, marion barry awarded the contract to donna watts brighthaupt last october 22nd telling the council of the -- secretary of the council she was educationally qualified. compensation 2500 every two weeks. at one point the contract was terminated by barry then reinstated. so far watts brighthaupt has been paid $15,000. the council secretary approved an additional payment of $5,000. the question remains was barry using his power to employ as a way to reward then punish. d.c. city council members have no code of conduct, no ethical standards to guide them through their daily public lives. it's something vincent gray plans to change, perhaps as soon as september. he ordered a study on best prac

barry. mr. barry was traveling on public streets, on his way home. and that's how he found himself in the park. he was not following anyone. >> the woman did not speak publicly today but issued a three-page written statement saying it is senseless to publicly and officially accuse marion of stalking after having a meal with him just an hour earlier. now watts denied anyone connected to her made threats against barry. barry is expected in court on thursday. the park police would not comment on what prompted the charge, will. >> another update on thursday. thank you. >>> breaking news in the search for a serial killer in south carolina. it looks like it may be over. police think they know the identity of the person wo killed five people, terrorizing that region for days. it is this man. 41-year-old patrick burres. it fun -- it turns out he was shot to death during a burglary attempt in north carolina. his gun matches the murders used in the murdering spree. >>> the drama surrounding michael jackson's estate unfolding in court. a judge ruled today jacks

as for barry he will be in court on thursday. that's when we will find out if prosecutors will file charges. more on this story at 9:00 news now at 5:00, 6:00 and seven. back to you. >> thank you very much. >>> moving to other news, earlier this year, council member marion barry was the only could be council member to vote against the bill calling for dc to recognize same-sex marriages. congress could have blocked the measure but let the deadline pass. so, starting today, the district will begin to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. opponents are still trying to get that law overturned. >>> three guilty pleas today from gregg-glover. the virginia woman accused in the death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter. our digital correspondent peggy fox is in the courtroom this morning and is joining us on the phone with more information. >> reporter: that's right. she pleaded guilty to killing her adopted daughter, 13-year- old alexis today in court. she pleaded guilty to felony murder, felony child abuse and filing

council member barry is no stalker. instead he is someone that has lended his hand to assist, which in the end has come back to bite him. . >> burglary suspect killed in the state of north carolina earlier today is the man that terrorized residents in the state of south carolina in recent days. that according to police, tonight. five people were fatally shot in south carolina recently. and police say tests on the gun found on 41-year-old patrick barris today in gas toneya north carolina matched those used by the serial killer. >> right now, there is ballistic evidence that we feel good about that links him here. and other evidence that we are trying to confirm right now. that we believe put him in the vicinity of each of the murders here in south carolina. right now we feel good that this is the individual. >> police found barris when responding to a possible break-in in gas toneya. they say he gave a fake name and pulled a gun on police. >> fire rages through a wisconsin meat packing plant. forcing local officials to d

mayor, marion barry is in hot water again. he was arrested after a woman claimed he was stalking her. >> councilmember barry is no stalker. instead he's someone who lended his hand to assist and in the end has come back to bite him. >> a spokeswoman for marian barry says he's innocent of charges against him of stalking. >> this is our hope that charges of barry will be dropped or the truth of the matter will prevail in the court of law. >> the accuser is donna wats and she worked with him on the campaign. and barry said that mrs. watts has helped him over the years. >> never did mr. barry feel this would be an outcome. the best word that describes him is betray. in anacostia park, indicated that barry was stalking her. how the two came together is unknown. >> mr. barry was transported to the substation and after questioning and in consultation, a misdemeanor of stalking was charged. >> mr. barry was released on his own recognizant. this is a string of illegal troubles for mr. barry who is on probation for not filing taxes on t

in those voice mails, barry refers to his barring the woman's ex-husband from barry's offices and at the wilson building. >> marion barry. barring any new developments tonight, this case goes to court tomorrow morning. craig, back to you? >> tom sherwood, thank you, sir. >>> in charles county, maryland, a 19-month-old baby drowned in a tol last night. there seems to have been confusion about who was watchin child. it happened in the 4300 block of middletown road. eun yang has more. >> reporter: the sheriff's office says the baby was left in the care of the teenage cousin. but the teen went out not realizing that the baby was sleeping in the house. it was a simple misunderstanding that had devastating consequences. a mother left her 19-month-old son sleeping at home in the care of his 15-year-old cousin. it was 8:30 p.m. and had to run errands. the problem was that the teenager didn't know he was supposed to be watching the toddler and he left, too. when she got home, they were both gone. >> when the mother found out that the child was not with the teenager, she panicked and started s

mayor marion barry's camp about his latest legal troubles.ox 5 morning news continues right now. >>> the sun is up and temperatures pretty nice out there. the humidity low too which makes it even better. i'm gurvir dhindsa gentleman i'm steve chenevey. thank you for being with us. here is a great way to start your day with free gas. it is happening right now at the shirley duke shell in alexandria. the pumps are open being folks. this is on duke street right across from the fox chase shopping center. it is a giveaway by allstate who say alexandria is the most improved city for safe driving. there is a 10-gallon limit but it beats paying for it, right? >> ten gallons is ten gallons especially when gas is where it is. >> you can't leave. >> why not? >> free gas and as nice as it is outside this morning. >> i think the view ares will understand. >> if air not here. >> yeah. r just send somebody with y ca r. >> i could do your forecast. what is it? >> i could do it but then you and tucker would gheive me a hard time for the rest of my life. >> 68

and one of barry's harsh's critics. stay with us for that. >> meantime, an aid to council member, jack evans was found this morning in baltimore. council members paused for a moment of silence this morning in honor of 30-year-old dessie. >> he didn't come to work on monday, we contacted his partner and we were told that on saturday night, they were attending a party on a boat and they couldn't find him after the party was over. >> they found his body in the inner harbor. he had been drinking and was last seen around 10:30 sunday night at the baltimore marine center. police say there is no sign of foul play. >> the mother and sister of a teenage girl killed ten years ago are speaking out tonight. the reeds are against the u.s. supreme court's decision to stay the execution. cristie reid was 14 years old at the time and was brutalized and nearly killed by powell. his first penalty conviction was thrown out, because prosecutors could not prove he raped his sister before killing her. after powell sent the prosecutor a taunt

barry at this hour is betrayed. he adamantly denied the charges. >> reporter: he paid $800 to buy her an opera jacket at the same time he was trying to repay tacks. >> mr. barry has over a period of time lended his friendship and his support to the accuser, miss donna watts through her many stages of instable. >> reporter: this barry's third run in with park police since his i misdemeanor drug charges in ' 92. >> i have had several calls today and the biggest thing they are saying right off the bat. here we go again. he's been arrested again. so embarrassing. >> if convicted of this stalking charge, barry could face a year in prison and a fine up to $500. jessica, back to you. >> thank you. >>> today the district will begin to recognize same-sex marriages. the city council approved the idea this year by a 12-1 vote. congress has final approval on the issue and let it pass. same-sex marriages are performed in three states right now. opponents are trying to get the new law overturned. >>> a woman accused in the death

and no evidence this she's ever complained before about barry's behavior.e thursday to find out if any charges will be formally filed against him. wendy, back to you. >> tom sherwood, thank you. >>> mark sanford has been censured by his own party. 22 members of the states republican's executive committee voted last night to formally ndemn sanford for taking a secret trip last month. sanford traveled to argentina to meet his mistress without telling anyone where he's going. in addition to the vote, ten members of the committee voted to ask the governor to resign. nine members voted to support sabb forward. the governor said repeatedly he does not plan to resign. >>> alaska's governor sarah palin is speaking publicly now about the report last week that she's resigning with more than a year left in her term. nbc's andrea mitchell caught up with palin at a remote fishing village in western alaska. that commercial fishing site has been run by her husband's family for generations. palin said she was leaving office now for the sake of her state. >> cost thousands

councilman marion barry. today, stalking charges were officially dropped and he spoke about the arrest. now sources tell abc 7 he could face a probe into the hiring of his ex-girlfriend. jennifer donelan has what may come next. >> the best way to describe what marion barry will be facing is an inquiry. sources tell abc 7 news that march afternoon it will meet behind closed doors to discuss how the inquiry will proceed. they want to get to the bottom of the hiring of marion barry's then-girlfriend, donna watts- brighthaupt. >> this inappropriate arrested not occur, we would not be going through this pain. >> his ex-girlfriend donna watts-brighthaupt was relieved the case is over. >> it is a tragedy. >> as much as they may want to move forward, there are still major questions about his hiring of watts-brighthaupt while they were not romantically involved. -- while they were romantically involved. she was paid at least $20,000 of taxpayer money, but nobody is saying whether that was legal. marion barry's camp ha

and days leading up to marion barry's are arrest. marion barry's attorney said an affair is over. they spent much of the fourth of july together. the man reportedly in the car with the accuser, her ex- husband. we know last tuesday marion barry at police stopped his accuser's ex-husband from entering the wilson building for an event. >> that individual had been confrontational with mr. barry in the past. >> -- >> as for the events leading up to the rest, his lawyer confirmed the councilman spent much of his july 4 with the accuser. they had planned to go to rehoboth beach. the returned from annapolis to washington. there were reports saying they were talking about a possible reconciliation. >> the charge stems from a personal relationship. >> no one at the woman's house wanted to talk to not -- tonight. >> i saw them together. >> on thursday marion barry and their attorney will be in court. they will hear of any charges that may move forward. the lawyer said they have a strong case and will win if they go to trial. >>> this arrest is

by phone, she says she drove back with marion barry on saturday at about 8:00. she dropped him off, headed to the fireworks, but that he followed her in his car, trying to get her attention, blowing the horn, flashing the lights. she says it could be why the policestopped them. she denies flagging the police officer, and says she never claimed marion barry was stalking her. in fact, she wants to retract the claim and not place charges. as for the remarks, she says she is not unstable and tells fox 5 news she will do what is necessary o clear her name. >> now there is still no response from park police tonight to her claims. meanwhile, marion barry's lawyer has scheduled a news conference tomorrow morning and the councilman is due in court on the stalking charges. >> thank you, we'll keep it here for the continuing coverage of marion barry's arrest, watch fox 5 news morning news for the overnight development. and you can log onto myfoxdc.com. >>> the death of former nfl quarterback steve mcnair sending shock waves through the sports world and beyond. his body and

barry. >> reporter: now, barry released a statement that responds to the voicemail. he said any sexual relationships between him and miss watts was a private matter that was consensual. the statement says the release of the tapes does not incriminate him. this word just in as we mentioned to you, the u.s. attorney's office not going to pursue the stalking charges against marion barry. his response to that this evening, that he is thankful and praised the u.s. attorney's office for making the right decision. >> just quickly, down at the wilson building, is anybody looking into the $60,000 contract he gave a way to the woman. >> i don't know that anybody is looking into it. we talked to council members and they had mixed feelings about whether this would upset barry's political career. there were some that thought it might be a misuse and abuse of his powers to hand out the contracts, but there were others that said they were not clear on what the rules are of using your council budget to award somebody a contract. some thought that perhaps the law says you cannot give

marion barry will get yet another one of his many days in court. >> on behalf of councilman marion barry, his family friends we'd like to say our hearts are full tonight with thanks. >> reporter: that is because this time around the ending will be happy. >> we are grateful the office of the u.s. attorney has seen fit to not proceed in charging mr. barry for any criminal violations surrounding the july 4th event. >> reporter: events that led to stalking charges being filed by u.s. park police after a bizarre altercation between barry and his form per girlfriend in anacostia park. >> the arrest of mr. barry should have never taken place. >> reporter: for the alleged victim, former barry girlfriend, donna watts the ending is not so happy. >> i hate the fact that i'm going down in history as one of the many women who he thinks he's defeated. >> reporter: the arrest also brought to light a $60,000 no bid contract that barry awarded to donna watts. now barry said it was done above board and legitimately but some dc council members want an investigation either by the county or by the attorney g

december 5, marion barry terminated her contract. may 22, marion barry said it expedite the payment to the woman. >> she is out there again by herself. >> she is talking about a hastily held news conference where marion barry's spokeswoman questioned her sanity. >> we want it known that according to ms. watts herself, she is currently under the care of a local psychiatrist. >> she showed up denouncing the claim, ridiculing barry and her okeswoman -- and his spokeswoman. >> i have not said anything, and they still have to do this? i must be bad. >> while it is illegal to hire family members or spouses under the law, that does not include girlfriends. no indication the law was broken. it on the fourth of july incident at this started, marion barry is due in d.c. superior court tomorrow on a charge of stalking donna watts- brighthaupt. sam ford, abc 7 news. >> there are a lot more of those voicemail recordings that you can hear. jennifer donelan has more on what marion barry had to say. it >> there is a lot of material, it tended like t

barry's relationship with ms. watts be exposed. >> reporter: donna watts showed up and the spokesperson said this. >> she has been diagnosed with compulsive behavior disorder and clinical depression. >> reporter: this all stems from an incident saturday night at anacostia park. u.s. park place say watts flagged down an officer and told them a man was following her in his car, honking the horn and flashing the lights. that led to marion barry's arrest on charges of stalking. barry has denied those allegations and called watts unstable. she admitted early on that she and barry used to de and had dinner together earlier on saturday. since the incident watts told reporters she never flagged down a park police officer and never accused barry of stalking her. barry's spokesperson says the controversy that developed since forcerd them to reveal the truth about watts. watts told reporters barry's people were lying. >> she aid i was seeing someone now, a psychiatrist, and that's not true. >> now documents show watts was hi

barry. >> barry's spokesperson denied the personal attacks. he'll apeerl appear in court tomorrow. >>> happening today, president obama arrived in italy to kickoff the g-8 summit. he'll meet with italy's president and then travel to the summit of g-8 leaders. they are expecting to discuss climate change, iran's nuclear ambitions and food security. >>> kim jong-il was on hand to mark 15 years since the death o his father who was the founder of north carolina. kim jong-il is 67 years old and believed to have suffered a stroke last year. north koreans laid flowers and bow repeatedly before a huge statue of his father. >>> many are talking about the star-studded memorial for michael jackson. yesterday's such as included musical tribute from greats from the music world with whom he used to perform and those who inspired him. also, it included video of those who knew jackson best. >> as much as we may feel, and we do, that we need michael here with us, god must have needed him far more. >> and as great as smokey sang it, i thought michael was better

. >>> more fallout over marion barry's arrest here in d.c.he city council taking a big step in investigating the former mayor's government deal and the contract given to barry's then girl friend. fox 5's roz plater following that down in the newsroom. >> the d.c. city council is asking for outside help on this one just as it becomes increasingly clear some of the council members are simply fed up and tonight one is even calling on barry to apologize. >> mr. barry -- >> reporter: the end of a closed door session the d.c. city council chairman announced an independent investigator will look into a contract that council member marion barry awarded to his former girl friend donna watts-brighthaupt. >> we want the public to be as satisfied as they possibly can that this situation has been thoroughly investigated and we've gotten at what the facts are. >> reporter: barry took to the podium defending himself. >> nowhere has this been pointed out. >> reporter: listen carefully and you'll here a council member say i just can't take this. >> i just can

barry's office. so yes, certainly, those are questions that we would want to address. >> marion barry is speaking out about the stalking charges. hear his response later this hour. >>> a paper is coming under fire if its choice of words regarding a story about the relationship between marion barry and donna watts. more on the front page-fallout straight ahead. >>> thousands turned out to remember former nfl quarterback steve mcnair and we are learning more about the days leading up to his murder. >>> newly released video of mcnair and his mistress. we'll tell you about an eerie public service announcement that mcnair taped a short time ago. >>> a strong new warning about the swine flu. hare why the worries are far from over. you are watching fox 5 morning news.  south a final farewell to steve mcnair. as many as 5,000 friends, family members and fans gathered in nashville, tennessee to say their good- byes to former football star. the 36-year-old was shot and killed last wee

the stalking charges against marion barry dropped. we have the latest twist in this saga in just a minute but first. >>> it is the video you'll only see here first on fox caught on camera a metro train operator not focused on the tracks. the passenger roling on all of this says that operator was asleep at the controls as the train sped down the rails and that video has metro investigating tonight. thanks for joining us. i'm shawn yancy. >> i'm brian bolter. the video was shot by a worried passenger and the operator, the second recently caught on camera distracted from the controls. fox 5's will thomas working this exclusive tonight live in the newsroom. >> the 14-year-old passenger you are about to meet likes to ride up front so he can see what's ahead on the tracks just like the train operators, but one day last month he says he was doing all the looking and provided us a video you just saw to prove it. with his mother's permission he gave us his firsthand account. >> i'm thinking that he needs to wake up before an emergency occurs.

mayor marion barry. he is arrested saturday night accused of stalking a woman but that woman tells fox 5 that she is not comfortable with the story police are telling. >> more details could surface when barry's lawyer holds a news conference today. a woman flagged down officers saturday night in anacostia park claiming barry was stalking her. the woman gelealdly told police she and barry had dinner in annapolis earlier that night. she dropped him off in the district and headed to watch the fireworks and that is when he followed her in his car trying to get her attention by blowing the horn and flashing the lights. >> councilmember parry is no stalker. instead, he is someone who has lended his hand to assist which in the end has come back to bite him. mr.barry has, over a period of time lended his friendship and his support to the accuser, miss donna watts new her many stages of instability. >> watts denies flagging down the park police officer. she says she never accused barry of stalking her and she wan

if convicted barry could face a year in prison and a fine up to $500. park police officer patrolling anacostia park was flagged down by a woman in a car. >> this woman stated somebody in another car was stalking her. >> the woman was captiol hill political consultant donna watts a friend of barry. barry was arrested 8:45 saturday night. >> the only issue here is going to be the charge of stalking which is a misdemeanor. >> barry spokeswoman says the former mayor feels betrayed and describes the accuser as his close friend. >> mr. barry has over a period of time lended his friendship and support to the accuser, miss donna watts through her many stages of instable. >> reporter: this is barry's third run in with park police since the misdemeanor drug charges in ' 92. ward 8 commissioner has volunteered in barry's campaigns and run against him. >> does mr. barry have a reputation for stalking women. >> i don't think he stalks women, but he goes after women. he's very attracted to women and he will make it known if he is interested. >> reporter: so there's a

: the woman had lunch with councilman barry yesterday. they encountered each other about 8:00 p.m. last night and it led to marion barry's arrest on those stalking charges. one of the officers was patrolling the park near goodhope road. >> he was flagged down by a woman in a car. this woman stated somebody in another car was harassing and stalking her. >> reporter: after he interviewed the woman he then approached marion barry. >> the best way to describe barry is betrade. >> he has ended his friendship and support through her many stages of inability. >> reporter: barry was pulled over for alleged traffic violations and has been on probation on income tax charges. >> i had several calls today and the biggest thing they are saying right off the bat is he was arrested again. >> reporter: ward 8 commissioner saying she has volunteered for him and ran against him. >> i don't think he would actually stalk women but he goes after them. he is very attracted to women and he will make it known if he is interested. >> reporter: the accuser would n

there is a barry machine. >> reporter: that protexts a barry mind set. >> it is never his fault. he is never wrong. and he is slippery. >> reporter: she says the arrest on stalking charges came after barry was following her car blinking his lights telling police. >> he is bothering me. tell him to go home. i thought it was dc police. >> reporter: barry's spokeswoman says barry will now question park police actions. >> the arrest of mr. barry should have never taken place. >> reporter: barry has long maintained park police have had it in for him and have unfairly treated him. he meets with reporters tomorrow. >> gary neurenberg. thank you for that. >>> police announced today indeed it was a case of murder- suicide of steve mcnair. they believe his girlfriend shot and killed him in his sleep. meantime, several dozen fans showed up at the home of the titans to honor steve mcnair. many wrote their condolences to that will be presented to his family. he leaves behind a wife and four boys. >>> brett haber will have more on the mind set of the woman who pulled the trigger. he has newly

barry are simply not true. they are lies. >> reporter: but miss watts crashed that press conference and denied those accusations. >> only heard a little bit of what she said and what i did hear is not true. >> reporter: she said she had been awarded a no bid contract for a poverty reduction program in ward 8 but said it was done legally. >> it is not unusual, nor is it illegal for council members to award contracts to supporters or family members who qualify or can provide the services that are required. >> reporter: barry's spokesperson says the a fact the former mayor and watts were romantically involved was irrelevant to the contract process and offered this explanation why watts was given the award. >> miss watts was about to lose her house, her car and due to instability of finding employment. mr. barry did, in fact, do this primarily, not because of miss watts but because of her children. >> reporter: now, dc law says a public official cannot use his or her decision to benefit a direct member of her famil

said marion barry has been a frequent visitor. around the city is the talk about this latest accusation even as his attorney says the charges are baseless. among the public today, reaction to the latest continuing marion barry sought out. >> it is too much. >> it is a personal domestic issue. >> people do not have jobs. >> donna watts-brighthaupt allegedly flight down park police on the fourth of july night, st. marion barry was bothering her and her ex- husband. at a news conference today, marion barry was mum. >> forced to proceed forward in court. it is our hope that a careful review of the facts by the officers of the united states attorney in will lead to the conclusion that no charges should be fired -- filed. interesting question. i do not know. >> neighbors question the stocking charge. they said the introduced their kids to marion barry outside their house the night of the arrest. >> we look at the news and he was on the news. >> neighbors said that marion barry, the woman, and the ex- husband wore all on good terms. barr

barry are simply not true. they are lies. >> reporter: but miss watts crashed that press conference and denied those accusations. >> only heard a little of what she said and what i did hear is not true. >> reporter: barry's spokesperson admitted that watts had been awarded a $60,000 no bid contract for a poverty reduction program in ward 8 but said it is legal. >> it is not unusual nor is it illegal for council members to award contracts to supporters or family members woodwale fie or can provide the services that are required. >> reporter: barry's spokesperson says the former mayor and watts were romantically involved was irrelevant to the contract process and offered this explanation as to why watts was given the award. >> miss watts was about to lose her house, her car and due to stability of finding employment. mr. barry did, in fact, do this primarily not because of miss watts but because of mrs. watts ' children. >> reporter: dc law says public officials cannot use their position to directly benefit membe

but barry ignored her request. there's nothing in the police report that shows barry tried to explain his relationship with the woman. or that he was asked to explain her fright. barry was arrested and handcuffed and takennto custody. after several days of review, the u.s. attorney's office dropped charges against barry and saying that there was not enough evidence to try him for stalking. the report shows that it all started with barry driving on the wrong side of the road. but he was never charged with a traffic violation. wendy, back to you. >> tom sherwood, thanks, tom. >>> c. council chairman vincent gray announced late this afternoon the council is launching an inquiry into the contract wi contract. >> reporter: council chairman gray said that the city is launching an inquiry because of concerns over cncil member marion barry's personal services contract with watts brighthaup. he says he welcomes the probe. this happened just about an hour ago when the announcement was made saying he plans to introduce a reso

marion barry under fire and under arrest again. what he's accusedf doing and when he plans to tell his side. >> we will have the latest on the top stories. >> 6:46. it is about 62 degrees here in rosslyn. beautiful shot of the key bridge and potomac river as the sun comes up and people get back to work. >> steve says there's a chill in the air a little bit but thais about to change. first let's check with abc news for a check of what is ahead on "good morning america." >> this week the world tops to mourn michael jackson and good morning america is inside the unanswered questions. the children, the drugs, what killed him. robin roberts live with the late-breaking sclu late-breaking exclusives. >> in a few hours mayor i don't know barry will explain his latest legal mishap. he was arrested this weekend for stalking. matt brock is live outside the wilson building to explain what happened. >> the mayor was arrested, former mayor, arrested saturday night. he was unavailable to anyone yesterd yesterday, and today he plans to tell his si

marion barry is confident, the contract probe will prove he did nothing wrong. >>> councilman barry reacting to the investigation into the contract between him and his ex-girlfriend. wearing pink in the file video with barry. the council chairman, vincent gray announced the probe early this evening. >> i believe an independent review is logical first step. >> news of the investigation came as news 4 was first to obtain barry's arrest report from july 4th when charged with stalking the ex-girlfriend. the report revealed the former mayor was driving erratically on the wrong side of the road. when park police pulled him over in anacostia park. she shouted to the officer that barry was harassing her and continually threatening he would use powers of influence to have her ex-husband arrested. prosecutors dropped the stalking charge thursday. >> on july 4th. i was illegally arrested. >> barry defended himself during the city probe announcement, council member, walked out, saying, he had had enough. >> there is no rallying behind marion. so when he stepped forward at that press conference and attem

barry should have never been made. >> reporter: barry had awarded watts a $60,000 contract to head a leadership program in ward 8, a decision that the d.c. attorney general tells "the washington post" he wants investigated. but barry defends. >> miss watts at the time was qualified for the position and went through the proper channels in order to be awarded for that contract. >> reporter: the "post" reports on july 4th, watts and barry got into a disagreement at her home and he thenollowed her and her ex-husband when they went to watch fireworks. >> i said he's bothering me, make sure he goes home. you know? i thought it was d.c. police because he gets away. they just let him go. i wasn't thinking that i was going to settle. that's my fault. i was thinking the worst. >> reporter: now this is far from over because that $60,000 contract that council member barry awarded to watts is what's now got a lot of attention. tracee wilkins outside of the d.c. courthouse. back to you. >>> as tracy ju tracee just men barry hired watts to do the work after the two started dating. the project was w