I just can’t help but chuckle at this. Michael Nifong is the prosecutor who is the Durham County District Attorney prosecuring that is now know as “The Duke Rape Case”. Mister Nifong was absolutely convinced (before a trial) that the defendants were guilty.
“The circumstances of the rape indicated a deep racial motivation for some of the things that were done,” District Attorney Mike Nifong said. “It makes a crime that is by its nature one of the most offensive and invasive even more so.” – (NBC 17 News March 29, 2006)
“I am convinced there was a rape, yes, sir.” - (MSNBC March 29, 2006)
“There’s no doubt a sexual assault took place.” – (CBS News March 30, 2006)
Nifing was so convinced, in fact, that he felt completely comfortable takign the law into his own hands. There was, for example, no need to confuse the situation with any evidence that might confuse the jury.
“6. In an April 10, 2006 meeting, DA Nifong conspired with the Director of DNA Security, Inc., Dr. Brian Meehan, and Durham Police Officers, Mark Gottlieb and Benjamin Himan, to withhold exculpatory evidence from the defendants in the lacrosse case.” – Affidavit #07CVS01993 filed by ELIZABETH M. BREWER
What does Mr. Nifong have to say about the charges levelled against him?
“I wish everyone would withhold judgment until they hear the evidence, as well as my response,” he [Nifong] told WRAL.
You have to love it.
Updated: Some great information on this is available from John In Carolina.
[...] along here. The prosecutor buried evidence, made inflammatory statements and manipulated the line up. The [...]