Duke Withholding Judgment Until Rape Probe Complete

Durham, N.C. — Police on Monday continued their investigation of a reported sexual assault that happened early Sunday morning at an off-campus party near Duke University.

Meanwhile, university officials said they are withholding judgment until the investigation is complete.

"We're still trying to sort out what happened and all the other details before we act any further," said Larry Moneta, Duke's vice president of public affairs.

Moneta said the university is providing support to the alleged victim, an 18-year-old Duke student, and anyone who needs it.

The alleged incident was reported early Sunday at about 5:30 a.m. when police received a call about a woman who said she was raped in the bathroom of a duplex at 405 Gattis St.

Durham police said about 50 people were at the party at the time. Sources told WRAL that drugs and a weapon were found at the house, and a police spokeswoman said Monday that investigators are looking into that claim.

No one has been charged in connection with the allegations.

Police Chief Steve Chalmers said investigators were also working Monday to determine who was at the party and working with the alleged victim to get a better description of what the assailant looked like.

Anyone with information related to the alleged attack is asked to call Durham CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.

9 Comments

WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

VIEW ALL 9 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments.

Latest Comments

Talk about racism, the whites are guilty without proof and the black man is not.

buck121794
February 19, 2007 2:17 p.m.

Mr. Broadhead please explain--or better yet resign! First you announce the lacrosse players are guilty without any support, and now you appear not to believe one of your own female students was raped. You could at least make a truly supporting statement. Is your sole function at Duke to raise money--if so not from this alum. until you resign.

talkinturkey
February 13, 2007 7:57 a.m.

Click, please, this happened OFF campus. Don't slam Duke just because someone made an allegation of rape. Trust me, there are rapes that happen off campus at many colleges and universities. Anytime you mix alcohol and college students there are going to be problems. Twenty years ago date rape was brought to the fore front and we were educated. Perhaps the lesson of how NOT to behave at parties for both sexes needs to be taught again.

Tired Of Excuses
February 13, 2007 6:29 a.m.

Regarding clickclackity2's comment, there is obviously a problem with society, not just Duke. These rapes involving students from Duke University happen to make headline news. But they certainly are not the only rapes that occur in the Triangle Area. It's a shame that more men are not vigilant in making sure all ladies are protected from the few among us who would do them harm. Where are all of my fellow Knights in Shining Armor when the Fair Damsels in Distress need them?

hail2opeth
February 13, 2007 12:19 a.m.

ok mikey heres your chance to railroad a black man this time.no interviews just pick one and throw him in jail.

cbhopper122859
February 12, 2007 11:27 p.m.