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www.news14.com Defense: Nifong moving too slowly Updated: 9/22/2006 11:49:49 AM By: Associated Press
DURHAM -- Lawyers representing three former Duke lacrosse players charged with rape complained again Friday about the slow pace with which they said prosecutors are sharing evidence. "There is a pattern that has developed ... that we don't get discovery unless a court date is set and we're here before a judge," said defense attorney Brad Bannon, who represents defendant David Evans. Just before Friday's previously scheduled hearing, District Attorney Mike Nifong gave defense lawyers 615 pages of evidence, a compact disc and a cassette tape. Prosecution evidence must be shared with the defense under North Carolina's discovery laws. Nifong said the evidence provided Friday included much of what was requested by defense lawyers, who had asked for handwritten notes from police officers involved with the case, reports outlining procedures used at the labs who tested the DNA of the players and notes from a mental health facility where police took the accuser after a March 13 lacrosse team party where she was hired to perform as a stripper. The woman, a student at nearby North Carolina Central University, later told police she was raped in a bathroom by three men at the off-campus party. Nifong responded by telling Superior Court Judge W. Osmond Smith III that he is now personally handling discovery issues in his office. "We're providing in good faith what we can in these circumstances," Nifong said. "Despite the feelings of some people, this is not the only case in Durham." Evans, who has graduated from Duke, and underclassmen Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty were indicted on charges of rape, kidnapping and sexual offense. Defense attorneys have strongly proclaimed their clients' innocence. |
