Defense Attorney Says District Attorney Is Using Duke Lacrosse Case for Political Advantage
A member of the New Black Panther Party stands outside 610 North Buchanan Boulevard Monday, May 1, 2006, in Durham, N.C. Malik Z. Shabazz, National Chairman of the New Black Panther Party and a small group from the New Black Panther Party gathered for a news conference to discuss the rape allegations against members of the Duke lacrosse team. The group gathered at the house where the woman says the rape occurred. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
DURHAM, N.C. May 1, 2006 (AP) An attorney representing one of two Duke University lacrosse players accused of rape demanded the district attorney's removal from the case Monday and accused him of using it to help his election prospects.
District Attorney Mike Nifong faces a primary election Tuesday that could decide whether he remains in office.
"They don't want to go up against me," Nifong said when asked outside court Monday about the defense request for his removal. He has denied any political motivation behind his aggressive investigation.