First DNA link possible in lacrosse case

Durham Herald Sun ^ | 5/11/2006 | John Stevenson

[OakOak]

By John Stevenson : The Herald-Sun jstevenson@heraldsun.com May 11, 2006 : 12:20 am ET

DURHAM -- Tissue found under the fingernail of an exotic dancer who claimed she was raped at a Duke University lacrosse party may match a player who was there, several well-placed sources said Wednesday.

Analyzing the tissue, scientists concluded it came from the same genetic pool and was "consistent" with the bodily makeup of one of 46 lacrosse players who gave DNA samples for testing, the sources said.

At the same time, scientists ruled out a possible match with any of the other 45 students, according to the sources.

If accurate, the fingernail tissue match would offer the first DNA evidence potentially linking the dancer and an alleged attacker.

But because a complete DNA pattern was not obtained from the tissue, it was not possible to match it with the nearly 100 percent certainty that DNA results usually offer, the sources added.

The dancer told police she clawed at three attackers as they raped and sodomized her for 30 minutes during the March 13-14 lacrosse house party at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd.

[Jezebelle]

Defense attorneys for the players need to be all over this, especially Reade's attorny because Mostafa is their witness. I expect he's doing that, if he's worth his salt.

[Jezebelle]

The definitive question is when was the warrant issued and activated into the system?

[Jezebelle]

Probably not.

My hope is that Reade's attorney is handling this.

[OakOak]

But the person that he drove in the CAB pleaded GUILTY to the offense.

It seems the responsible person has already been punished for the crime.

[TexKat]

Just heard the news and I knew the thread had to be hot, hot, hot by now!

[Neverforget01]

GJs do not serve the function they were devised to serve in English common law and are just a rubber stamp for the prosecutor. In reality, there has been no due process so far. I also learned yesterday that NC does not have speedy trial available. So far, the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendments have taken a real beating in this case, and it is an outrage.

I couldn't agree more and I feel like an absolute dolt for not knowing how this process works. I can't imagine ever being indicted for anything without at least being interviewed.

[Peach]

Yes. Share it.

[toldyou]

Thanks, Jezebelle. Glad to see you back. I had a feeling you'd have the right answer for this subject.

[Neverforget01]

I think Yale said warrant was issued Sept. '03

[Krodg]

I was only responding to your question about the fake nails...why didn't you address those points? If you had a question about DNA, you should've said so....

To: All
Maybe someone can help--would the fingernails appear differently if they had been scratched or yanked off as opposed to her polishing them before putting them on? I guess I'm asking if we know the condition of the nails?

Secondly, aren't there photos of her without the nails?
290 posted on 05/11/2006 2:17:20 PM EDT by Neverforget01 (Proud enemy of the DBM)

[Peach]

Agreed.

[F.J. Mitchell]

NC keeps right up with the best (or the worst) of them on taxation and spending. Every other way we are stuck several centuries in the past.

[OakOak]

I think (theory only) that the 3rd suspect lived at 610 N. Buchanan.

Which would, if true, make the DNA evidence weaker.

Dan Abrams says, I can tell you what the Defense Lawyers will say.... If the DNA is from someone that lived there, could the DNA have been transferred?

Since Abrams KNOWS the ID, why pose a question that doesn't fit. In other words, his question would be wrong at face value - if the 3rd suspect (linked to the DNA) lived over at the Dorms. Doesn't seem logical to pose it in that fashion, since they ALREADY know where the Suspect lives.

My 2 cents

[stands2reason]

The state of that bathroom was the first thing that told me a crime wasn't committed there.

Had there been, that bathroom would have been SPARKLING.

[OakOak]

Yes, you do think these very intelligent men would've done something in the intervening 60 hours or whatever.. Then we'd have heard by now (ad-nausem) that bleach was detected in the bathroom. The inference that they cleaned up a crime.

How could any person sit around for 60 hours and not attempt to obfuscate or cover up for a felony that would put you away for 20 years?

[Peach]

Interesting. And quite possible.

It was interesting the distinction that was made by the panel in the difference between transfer DNA and actual tissue.

But why did the first lab miss the hit to one of the players?

[toldyou]

I can't imagine anyone having press-on nails nowadays. They were popular many many years ago. Now, you go to nail salons...they create a sturdy nail using acrylics. They don't come off.

Someone on this thread said that she tried press-on nails, and within minutes they fell off. That's what is so darn sad with the so called "experts," on the news today, saying that the accuser fought so hard, her nails came off. In my opinion, I'll bet you can touch these type of nails lightly, and they'll fall off.

[TexKat]

Duke case hard to unclutter

Duke lacrosse briefs

Kim Roberts has faced a public storm.

'Weird evening' was just the start

'2nd dancer' tells of life since party

Roberts was born on Okinawa. Her mother is Korean. Her father, who was in the Air Force, is black. A 4.0 average got her into UNC-Chapel Hill, where she studied psychology.

"I had vague notions, one day wearing a power suit and carrying a briefcase," she said.

After two unsatisfying years, she got pregnant, married and dropped out. The marriage quickly fell apart.

Roberts took a job as a payroll specialist at Qualex, a photo-processing company. There, she embezzled $25,000.

Roberts showed up on time and collected her $400. The players told her they had requested a white dancer and a Hispanic dancer, and assumed Roberts was Hispanic. The other dancer, who is black, showed up a half-hour later. Defense lawyers have said the accuser showed up impaired, a claim Roberts disputed.

Roberts said she couldn't get the other dancer's phone number or address. She talked with the accuser's escort service, but it was of no help, she said. She drove to the 24-hour Kroger, where a security guard suggested calling police. The police tried smelling salts before dragging the unconscious dancer from the car.

More...

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I do, I do!

[Protect the Bill of Rights]

I saw your theory--you might be right!