New evidence has emerged that casts even more doubt on the rape case against the Duke lacrosse players:
DNA testing conducted by a private lab in the Duke lacrosse rape case found genetic material from several males in the accuser's body and her underwear -- but none from any team member, including the three charged with rape, according to a defense motion filed Wednesday.
The motion, signed by attorneys for defendants Reade Seligmann, Collin Finnerty and David Evans, complained that the information was not disclosed in a report on the testing prosecutors provided earlier this year to the defense.
Meanwhile, a member of Congress is calling for an investigation of Durham district attorney Mike Nifong's handling of the case:
A North Carolina congressman wants the U.S. Justice Department to investigate whether Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong committed "prosecutorial misconduct" and violated the civil rights of the three Duke lacrosse players accused of raping a dancer at an off-campus party last March.
Third District U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C.,3rd, sent the letter Thursday to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, saying he acted in response to "serious questions" raised in recent months by constituents and the media about the dancer's allegations and Nifong's handling of the case.
I don't know if what happened meets a legal standard of prosecutorial misconduct, but it certainly seems unlikely that any conviction of the defendants will hold up on appeal.
Gee, ya think?
C'mon, it seems pretty obvious that these guys are being railroaded and that it was purely for political gain.
Posted by: Steve Verdon | December 15, 2006 at 05:50 PM