Defense lawyer expects indictment (Nifong delays report on accused ID)

Durham Herald Sun ^ | 4/12/2006 | DAN E. WAY AND PAUL BONNER

[schooter]

Thomas said he also considers it troubling that authorities did not conduct a photo lineup process sooner to try to identify specific suspects.

"That is a very important question," he said. "This photographic lineup was conducted after three weeks of intense media coverage, which included a picture of these young men all over the television, printed media as well as the Internet. I would be at a loss to explain why the police would wait that period of time unless the prosecuting witness was not cooperating with the investigation."

Thomas said he could think of no reason the dancer could not have done the identification sooner.

"We know that the accusing witness has conducted a comprehensive media interview within a few days of this alleged brutal assault, so I certainly cannot understand why the identification procedure would have taken this long to conduct, nor do I understand why it would have taken such a long period to prepare the report," Thomas said.

Nifong has not given him a copy of the photo lineup report, Thomas said.

"He faxed a letter to my office today [Wednesday] informing me the report with respect to the examination, which he is required to disclose, would not be available prior to the week of April 17," Thomas said. Given public comments by the district attorney and the interest of the law enforcement community in the case amid weeks of strong public reaction, "It seems to me a report would be prepared immediately."

"I think a legitimate inquiry could and will be made as to why it would take the Durham Police Department such an unreasonable time to prepare such a report," he said.

[schooter]

More stink in the Duke story.

[rocksblues]

DA running for reelection. Sees an opportunity to draw minority votes. Any questions?

[Chuck54]

Unraveling.

[TommyDale]

Nifong may get an indictment against someone, but there is no evidence to convict on. I guess this is one of those "they can indict a ham sandwich" situations. He still won't win the election.

[Banjoguy]

Anyone who votes for that dipsh!t Nifong ought to have their heads examined. Where do they find these legal morons?

[DerZornGottes]

Tawanna Brawley anyone???
Nifong has Sharpton aspirations!

[Banjoguy]

This is what happens when you have a one party state. This guy is effectively running unopposed.

[Jezebelle]

The problem with this story is that Nifong definitively stated that the accuser's inability to identify any of her attackers was the basis for the DNA dragnet. I believe I even read it in the language in the application for the NTO DNA dragnet. Nifong is trying to have it both ways, of course. This is simply outrageous. If this case ever goes to trial, this so-called identification will be thrown out unless the judge is a complete and utter fool, and the defense should get it done before the trial even starts.

[Jezebelle]

Fox News just reported that NIFONG WILL NOT ALLOW THE PLAYERS TO TURN THEMSELVES IN IF/WHEN THE INDICTMENTS COME DOWN!

He wants a photo op of them being arrested for the sake of his campaign!