Police question driver in millionaire's death

GREENWICH, Conn. -- Police investigating the murder of millionaire developer Andrew Kissel have questioned his driver repeatedly, raising the possibility of a suicide-for-hire plot, a lawyer said Saturday.

Kissel was found bound and fatally stabbed on April 3 in his Greenwich home, a few days before he was to plead guilty in federal court in a multimillion-dollar real estate fraud case. He also was facing state larceny charges for allegedly taking $4 million from tenants in New York.

No one has been charged in his death.

Police have said there was no sign of forced entry into the home, but have refused to discuss a possible motive or suspects.

Lindy Urso, lawyer for Kissel's driver and personal assistant, Carlos Trujillo, said his client has been interviewed at least twice by police and has given authorities DNA, fingerprints, and personal documents. The driver maintains his innocence, Urso said.

''He fully cooperated," Urso said. ''They kept pressing him and accusing him. He had nothing to hide, but because of the persistent accusations by law enforcement, he decided to seek counsel."

Urso said police questioned Trujillo about speculation that Kissel -- facing possible prison time -- hired someone to kill him so his children could collect millions in insurance money. Kissel's father, William, rejected the theory as preposterous.

''It's my understanding that they accused [Trujillo] of participating in one or more ways in an effort, I presume, to get him to admit to some involvement," Urso said.

''Obviously, he didn't admit to anything because he didn't do anything," Urso said. ''There is no indication they have any evidence."

Authorities focused on the driver after discovering unusual financial transactions, such as selling jewelry, and his travel in and out of the country, The New York Post reported Saturday, citing an anonymous source.

Urso said Trujillo returned to his native Columbia in February after obtaining his green card. Urso said he knew nothing about unusual financial dealings.