Chris Brown Busted in Rihanna Assault Probe

Attack prompts outrage and rumors, from herpes to jealousy

(NEWSER) - Glimpses into the crazy world of Rihanna and Chris Brown continue to trickle out. The latest tidbits from their pre-Grammy drama:

• Jay-Z, who discovered Rihanna, is enraged, says a source. “Chris is a walking dead man.”
• One rumor claims Rihanna caught herpes from Jay-Z and passed it on to Chris, sparking the fight.
• Paris Hilton and/or Leona Lewis was “all over” Brown, prompting Rihanna’s ire.

LAPD officers sent home over potential photo link

(NEWSER) - A pair of LAPD officers have been put on paid leave as part of the department’s investigation into who leaked a picture of Rihanna’s battered face to TMZ, the Los Angeles Times reports. One, Rebecca Reyes, is a 9-year veteran of the force; the other, Blanca Lopez, is a rookie. Reyes’ attorney confirmed that a search warrant had been issued for her home. More»

Singer's lawyer wants case thrown out if cops were responsible

(NEWSER) - The case against Chris Brown could be dismissed if a pending probe finds cops were responsible for leaking photos of a battered Rihanna, his lawyer tells E! Online. A Los Angeles judge scheduled the preliminary hearing for May 28 in response to the lawyer's request for a delay in anticipation of the results of the investigation. The judge also released $1.4 million in jewelry Rihanna was wearing during the alleged assault. More»

Pic resembles confidential domestic violence records

(NEWSER) - The photo of Rihanna’s bruised face posted on TMZ.com may be police evidence, the Los Angeles Times reports. The LAPD, which is investigating Chris Brown’s alleged beating of the pop singer, said the photo resembles those taken during official domestic violence investigations, which are strictly confidential. "A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination," the department said in a statement. More»

Relationship with Rihanna filled with ongoing violence

(NEWSER) - Police are trying to beef up the case against Chris Brown and expect to complete their investigation next week, the New York Daily News reports. Rihanna is cooperating, and investigators expect to reinterview both parties before involving the DA's office, which has already asked for more evidence, a source tells TMZ, because "the DA is not going to prosecute a high-profile case like this unless it's solid." More»