Handyman faces trial in rape case

Hines, disabled, accused of trying to rape cousin
CLEVELAND (AP) -- A learning-disabled handyman acquitted of the kidnapping and killing of an 11-year-old girl faces another trial on unrelated charges that he tried to rape his 13-year-old cousin months before the death.
Daniel Hines' latest trial, set to start Monday, will be held in the same courtroom where a jury acquitted him in December of Shakira Johnson's death. Her disappearance from a block party on Sept. 13, 2003, led to a weekslong search involving community groups, police and FBI agents.
Information excluded
Common Pleas Judge Thomas Pokorny barred the information, saying the allegations would not have established Hines as Shakira's killer and would have been prejudicial.
Pokorny also prevented testimony from another girl who accused Hines of trying to molest her in 2002 because criminal charges weren't filed.
Police said Hines, 26, fondled a cousin at a relative's house on July 4, 2003. After she screamed and her brother tried to intervene, Hines hit him on the head with a crowbar and cut his throat with a knife, police said.