Posted on 06/11/2006 10:06:55 AM PDT by zaxxon
Early in the Duke lacrosse rape investigation, Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong, who was in a close race to keep his job, spoke about the physical and emotional trauma the alleged victim had suffered at the hands of the players. A police affidavit stated that her medical records revealed the victim had "injuries consistent with being raped and sexually assaulted vaginally and anally." But according to a motion filed by defense attorneys last week, no such physical trauma was found during her exam at Duke hospital. Quoting from the report, which was submitted to the court under seal, the motion states that the nurse—who was in training—examined the woman's entire pelvic region and noted only diffuse swelling of the vaginal walls, a condition explainable by consensual sexual activity.
Police documents indicate that the accuser had in fact engaged in such activity in the days leading up to the incident. The accuser told police that she'd had sex with her boyfriend a week before. She added that she'd also performed using a vibrator in front of a couple. (Though the timing of this incident is not specific, the clear implication is that it had happened near the time of the lacrosse party.) And, according to defense attorneys, the boyfriend's seminal fluid was found in her, suggesting she'd also had sex with him within 72 hours. Jarriel Johnson, who identified himself as the woman's driver, told police in a statement that in addition to sleeping with the accuser himself a week prior to the party, he'd taken her to several appointments at hotels in the days before.
(Excerpt) Read more at msnbc.msn.com ...
Yes, I believe Mr. Van refers to Ms. Magnum as a "straightforward" client. Does it make you wonder what his definition of "straightforward" might be? Also wondering if he's having second thoughts about getting her such a sweet deal and putting the public at risk by so doing. Do you think he sleeps well at night, knowing who he helped to put back out on the streets. I've also wondered that about the folks who put my son's accuser out there. Her family was a can of worms, too.
I doubt if they consult, but I think they're friends, or at least on good terms.
I don't know if he has a conscience or not. She committed a serious act of violence against that officer she tried to run down, but if she said she was going to get help blah blah blah, maybe he thought that'd be okay. On a scale of 1 to 10, Mangum isn't Public Enemy #1, but hse is a bit of a one-woman wrecking crew when she slides out of control. It may be that in retrospect he thinks things should have gone harder for her, but as a defense attorney/advocate, this of course would not be the case. So, he may feel he did his job as her attorney, but as a citizen, he thinks she got off too lightly.
Not all states have as screwed up a system as NC does. Somebody there needs to seize this case as the impetus to get rid of their GJ indictment mandate for threshold felony cases and no further probable cause hearing in which the defense can cross-examine the evidence of the prima facie case against the defendant.
Last night I wondered who was the source of the bipolar, manic-depressive info.
IMHO (which doesn't say much,LOL) if the source was assiciated with the defense lawyers, it is one more peice of a very credible defense.
If the source was from Nifong's team, then what we may see seeing is the beginning of the end strategy.
Could be. But Nifong HAS to find a way out. With Hannity's news last nite that ALL the people at the party have been deposed, this eliminates the spin that Nifong may have a silver bullet. So Nifong's GOT to do something. He cannot go on like he has for the past month...
BTW, check out the N & O blog. Melanie Sill (mg. editor) is getting an earful (eyeful) today...
http://blogs.newsobserver.com/editor/index.php?title=duke_lacrosse_comments_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#comments
Oh, Melanie can't take the heat. I read the N & O is doing another story on the behavior of Duke LAX players. There's a new angle. /sarc.
I wonder if Vann is going to help her with this. If he does, good for him. Anything to get this case dismissed is a huge help. What happens after and how these boys clear their names fully is another matter, and a very important one. Kim is left twisting, of course, and that's a good thing.
If she's manic depressive and institutionalized, it's probably because she's suicidal. All these people who are saying that this case should go to trial because Mangum deserve her day in court DO NOT have her best interest at heart. They're pushing their own agendas at the expense of a mentally ill woman and, more importantly, three innocent young men.
Thank you for that posting.
Quite a contrast, isn't it. Both of them broke down crying when someone made a comment? Read Kim Pittman or Nikki Roberts statement and you'll see who has in charge. In fact, spend 2 minutes around Lil Kim and you'll understand she didn't break down crying.
Lil Kim had her money already, and Crystal was already ripe for the rip-off, why make it a long night?
Nope, don't know.
I think it is smart that the defense is sharing with Sean. I'm sure he gets a much bigger audience than Dan Abrams (no insult to Dan intended).
My quick research on "Woody Vann" (Two "n"'s) says that he and Nifong have been friends for 25 years. So I suppose the answer to that would be YES.
That's the risk in keeping the trial in Durham. It will have to be moved if he goes all the way with it.
"It could be years." Really!!! How interesting. Hadn't heard that yet.
Such is the power of the mob that any judge who allows a change of venue will need to be prepared for a change of address.
Now -please tell me how this mentally ill puke,who is studying police psychology thinks she is going to pass the background test or for that matter the psychological test? Or do they not do these in NC?
Do you really think they're fired up enough to take down a judge, or even Nifong? Is it really that bad down there racially at the moment? I've heard stories that local blacks are just wishing it would go away, realizing that the AV for whatever reason isn't going to carry the water on the case. I've also heard that Mr. Bishop who ran against Mike Nifong was saying that the case should go forward, unless Mr. Nifong feels it is flawed -- then Nifong should drop it. Is Mr. Bishop of any influence among the community. Outside agitators are one thing, but what about the people of Durham?
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