Duke DA Criticized From Both Sides

[barb162]

Duke DA Criticized From Both Sides
Investigation Will Continue but Both Sides Are Unhappy


April 12, 2006— The district attorney heading the investigation of the alleged rape of an exotic dancer hired by members of the Duke lacrosse team is facing criticism from both sides — members of the community who wonder why no one has been arrested and team supporters who believe he has been overly vigilant because of his political ambitions.

On Tuesday, Mike Nifong, the district attorney in Durham, N.C., where Duke is located, discussed the case during a community forum. He said the investigation into the alleged rape would continue, even though defense attorneys had said DNA tests had failed to link any player to the alleged victim.

"It doesn't mean nothing happened. It means nothing was left behind, which is the case in 75 to 80 percent all sexual assaults," he said.

Nifong's vow, however, did not satisfy angry community members in the audience. Mostly African-Americans, they asked why he had not taken harsher actions against the accused Duke players.
snip

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1834164&page=1

[screembloodymurder]

1. He must be doing his job.

Those who criticize the Duke lacrosse team for keeping their mouths shut are also wrong. My #1 rule when talking to the authorities is don't open your mouth. These guys are innocent until proven guilty even if they are from Duke.

[bloom]

2. Some prosecutors are better

at having press conferences than they are at prosecuting cases. I hope that isn't the case with this guy.

I wonder how thorough the investigation has been - and if hasn't been handled well - or as nearly as well as it would have been if the races were reversed - then that doesn't speak very well of the justice system.

[barb162]

3. Latest I heard today was they were doing more

sophisticated DNA tests than the original tests.

[nashville_brook]

4. check out what 'fellow' DU'ers are saying...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x2231753#2231759