Didn't Nifong take over the investigation, though?
That would mean he would be the one talking to the defendants as lead investigator, wouldn't it? Questioning witnesses, etc.?
He put himself in the position, as I recall.
Yes, see my fuller reply to bjc, #1278 above.
Yes, Liefong truncated the normal, routine police investigation established to actually determine if a crime occurred and, if so, who did it.