Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

December 22, 2006
Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players
By DUFF WILSON

DURHAM, N.C. Dec. 22 — The district attorney today dropped rape charges against three former Duke University lacrosse players, but plans to go forward with sexual assault and kidnapping charges, his office said today.

Michael B. Nifong, the Durham district attorney, made the decision after learning on Thursday that the woman who complained of rape could not be sure that she had been penetrated with a penis, a distinction that would determine whether what happened to her meets the legal definition of forcible rape in North Carolina.

When she was interviewed on Thursday by an investigator from the district attorney’s office, the woman said she could not be certain she had been penetrated by a penis in her vagina and rectum, according to a person close to the investigation who would only speak on condition of anonymity.

The woman had said she was penetrated from behind while she was bent over with her face toward the floor, but did not know with what, the source said. Penetration with an object is considered sexual assault, not rape, officials said.

There also is no DNA evidence found on the woman from any of the accused men, investigators have said.

"With the absence of DNA and her not knowing what was going on, it’s the right thing to do and it probably makes the rest of the case stronger," the source said.

The three former players, David F. Evans, Collin Finnerty and Reade W. Seligmann, have vigorously denied any guilt and said they had no sexual contact with their accuser.

Maria Newman contributed reporting for this article.

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

Way too many inconsistencies in her story from what I've read.

Good verdict. Unfortunate for all parties involved. No winners.

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

they need to drop the whole thing- I think this was the first step in doing that

I guess the baby isn't one of theirs

kind of kills the case if you ask me!

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

I agree the whole thing needs to get dropped.How about the Woman take responsilbilty for her own actions!

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

I am glad. There was no real evidence around them. I jsut feel badly for what they & their families ahd to go through since being accused.

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

Posted by nrthshgrl

Way too many inconsistencies in her story from what I've read.

Good verdict. Unfortunate for all parties involved. No winners.

Agreed. Unfortunately, the players have already been tried in the court of public opinion and many still feel their reps are tainted.

Re: Rape Charges Dropped Against Duke Players

This girl has changed her story sooo many times, I can't believ there are still any charges pending. Now they dropped the rape charge and is sexual assault and kidnapping, the only proof of that is he said she said and being she has lied and changed her story I really wouldn't believe a word she said. They seriously need to drop the whole thing!!