Durham, N.C.
In a case that has sparked daily protests and raised racial tensions at Duke University, two white lacrosse players were arrested this week and charged with raping a black stripper who performed at a team party. District Attorney Mike Nifong said a third student could also be charged. Defense lawyers argued that the case should have been dropped, because DNA tests at the scene turned up no evidence that any sex took place at the party last month. But Nifong said the alleged victim’s testimony was compelling and that authorities had physical evidence of a crime. Lawyers for the two defendants, sophomores Collin Finnerty and Reade Seligmann, said Nifong was pandering to local voters in an election year. “We are confident these young men will be found to be innocent,” said attorney Bill Cotter.
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