Posted on 03/31/2006 8:03:52 PM PST by Howlin
DURHAM, N.C. - The father of the woman who has accused members of the Duke lacrosse team of sexually assaulting her said he didn't find out that his daughter was the reported victim - and that she is an exotic dancer - until a reporter visited his house.
The retired trucker who lives in Durham said he saw his daughter the day after the reported attack, but she didn't say anything was wrong. She even left her car at the house for several days because he said she didn't want to drive it.
Her father, a quiet man who tinkers on cars as a hobby, said he saw news reports about the attack.
"I didn't know it was my daughter," he said. The Charlotte Observer generally does not name victims of sexual assault, so his name is being withheld to protect the identity of his daughter.
The case has ignited campus protests and stirred racial tension in Durham. The woman at the center of the case is black, and the men she accuses are white. She also is a student at N.C. Central University, a historically black college near Durham's inner-city, compared with the more expensive Duke campus.
DNA tests have been conducted on 46 of the lacrosse players, who deny the allegations. A 47th member, who is black, was not tested because the woman said her attackers were white.
Last week, a reporter stopped by the reported victim's house looking for her, the woman's father said, but he said he didn't know what was going on. He called his daughter and she said the district attorney told her not talk to anyone.
"(She) didn't tell us anything about it," he said.
He said he also found out through the media that his daughter, who is the youngest of three, was an exotic dancer.
"She always told me she was going to work," he said.
On Friday, he installed a timing belt in a car and watched his daughter's two children play outside the house. He said working on cars and playing with the grandchildren helps take his mind off what's happening with his daughter.
He said she seems to be doing "pretty good," and so is the rest of the family. He said they haven't talked much about the reported incident, but it weighs heavily on his mind. He said he's grateful that N.C. Central has been so supportive, but he doesn't like how his daughter has been portrayed in the media. And he's especially frustrated that no one has been charged in the connection with the allegations.
"If it had been anybody but them, they would have been locked up, but yet they didn't because it's Duke," he said. "I hope them boys - if they did it - I hope they get what they deserve. I hope they don't go lenient on them."
District Attorney Michael Nifong said he's waiting for results of the DNA test and that he does not expect to file charges in the case any earlier than next week.
I wonder if the $400. in her purse was her "take" for the night.
Good Lord. Actually, if it goes to trial she will be cross examined to the max and the videos WILL be shown, but evidently, she's counting on an all-black DC jury and jury nullification. Shades of O.J.
It could be she was ashamed of being an exotic dancer. While the money is very good, and she can make her way without working really long hours, it's a job that many parents would (rightfully so) frown upon. If she talked about the attack, she would also have to let her parents know about the dancing.
Someone very dear to me was the victim of date rape at age 17. Her parents, who are super-protective, did everything right: they called the home where the party was being held and spoke to the parents, dropped her off and picked her up, met the young man and spoke to him, etc., etc. He still dropped a mickey in her drink and raped her.
It took her 6 weeks to tell her parents what happened, when she became suicidal.
Don't judge based on that; rape impacts everyone differently.
Yes, she should. False rape claims damage all true rape victims, by making it harder for them to report and authorities to prosecute.
I'm wondering if she was paid
This is why the DA says he will continue to prosecute even if the DNA evidence is inconclusive. I don't think jumping to accusations that this is a hoax is a good idea. I find it strange that a college party broke up and dispersed within minutes of the dancers departure, what, where they out of beer too?
I wouldn't say it's unraveling .. more like not adding up
We do know that she has 2 children w/no mention of a father for them, so presumably she's a single mother and working her way through college.........but what a way!
"I find it strange that a college party broke up and dispersed within minutes of the dancers departure, what, where they out of beer too?"
I've thought about that a bit and don't think it's that relevant. By then they knew the shit was going to hit the fan whether anything happened or not. The gut reaction at a college party is to disperse. Been there, done that.
Bogeygolfer....I would disagree with you on that comment... any attorney would tell you not to cooperate with the police until you have retained counsel and discussed it thoroughly with your attorney...you are under no obligation to provide any information and should not until instructed to do so by a defense lawyer. Like it or not, this is the smart way to proceed and likekly these Duke students are probably not dumb. When I took a concealed carry class, the instructor said many times, that in the event you have to fire your weapon and are questioned by the police - politely decline to discuss the event until you have talked to your lawyer no matter how innocent you may be. And that course was taught by a State Senator. So, by not talking to the police they are proceeding in an intelligent manner...they complied with court ordered DNA testing and the investigation will continue. In these situations don't worry about how it looks..worry more about what the police could do with even a benign statement given in the heat of the moment.
"None of it makes sense." I agree. Was she dancing or escorting them to the back bedroom? Was she paid a set fee for the night or did she collect tips too? Exactly how long was she in the house?
"I wouldn't say it's unraveling .. more like not adding up."
How so? We haven't heard anything from the alleged victim or about the victim other than the Dad bit and that's irrelevant. We also haven't heard anything from the players. The only thing I can come up with is a vague reference by the DA about the DNA and that comment inclines me to think he has other evidence in the event the DNA is not conclusive. That's all fairly normal in this type of situation. It may very well unravel but I'd bet it goes forward or it falls apart due to insufficient evidence. If this did happen we'll start to see some player cooperate.
And the lawyers say the police are lying.
I just don't understand how he could not know what her job was. Did he not ask her where she worked?
My point is, that if they hired the dancers, they did their dance bit, no hassles, got paid and left, then the party would still have been going on at 12:55 when officers arrived after the first 911 call about racial epithets.
So there was some sort of altercation at that party and obviously ALL the team knew enough to disperse and quickly.
And now they are all lawyered up and not talking.
I've got to get some sleep. No doubt tomorrow will bring more "news". 'Nite, all.
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