DURHAM, N.C. — Time-stamped photographs will show an exotic dancer was already injured and "very impaired" when she arrived at a party where she says she was raped by members of Duke University's men's lacrosse team, an attorney for one of the players said Sunday.
"All of these statements you've heard . . . about this brutal assault, rape, kidnapping and robbery which occurred, I believe that the public will soon be able to learn the truth, and that these allegations are totally false and without merit," said Durham attorney Bill Thomas.
Thomas declined to identify the player he represents and said he would not release the photos, taken by at least two cameras, until pending DNA tests are completed. He also wouldn't say whether the photos were taken by a lacrosse team member or someone else; court documents have indicated that only team members were present at the March 13 party.
No one has been charged in the case, but the allegations that members of the nearly all-white team raped the woman, a black student at a nearby university, have rocked both Duke and Durham. Several dozen people gathered Sunday outside the house where the party took place and pledged to return each Sunday until the case is resolved.
"Whether I want to believe it, or whether you want to believe it, something took place in there," said Tony Williamson, 36, of Durham. "Something indecent took place."
District Attorney Mike Nifong, who was expected to return this week from an out-of-town conference and has not commented on the case in the past several days, has said previously he is confident a rape occurred. Court documents said a medical exam of the alleged victim found injuries consistent with sexual assault.
The victim has not returned repeated messages seeking comment, but her father said Sunday she hasn't changed her story.
"I expect them to say that," he said of the lawyers' contentions his daughter is lying.
The allegations have led to the resignation of coach Mike Pressler, the cancellation of the lacrosse season and the suspension of one player from school.
Thomas said some of the photographs, taken when she arrived at the house according to the time stamps, indicate the woman was injured before getting to the party.
They show extensive bruises and scrapes on her legs, especially around the knees, he said.