DPD DNA-tests lacrosse team in suspected rape

Updated at 9:50 p.m. Friday

Durham police DNA-tested 46 members of the Duke men's lacrosse team Thursday afternoon in the suspected gang-rape of a woman last week.

All but one member of the team was ordered to report at 4 p.m. to the Durham police crime lab downtown.

No charges were filed as of Friday afternoon, according to a University official.

Police also photographed and interviewed the 46 individuals. The one team member who was not required to report to the police crime lab was a black male, and the victim identified the suspects as white males.

The alleged incident occurred during a party March 13 at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd. The residence is shared by three members of the Duke lacrosse team.

Police think that three members were involved in the offense, which is being investigated as First Degree Forcible Rape, Robbery, Kidnapping, First Degree Sexual Offense, Hate Crimes, Felony Strangulation and Assault on a Female.

According to the warrant, which was issued March 16, two women had made an appointment to dance for a group of men at the house that evening. Once they started dancing shortly after 11:30 p.m., the men became excited and aggressive. The News and Observer reported that alcohol was involved in the incident.

"The victim and her fellow dancer decided to leave because they were concerned about their safety," the warrant stated. After getting into their vehicle, one of the suspects apologized and convinced the two to come back inside, shortly after which the two women were separated.

Two males then pulled the victim into a bathroom as three men sexually assaulted her for an approximate 30-minute time period, according to the warrant. The woman left early March 14.

The Chronicle does not identify victims of sex crimes. The men are not being named because no charges have been filed.

The University made a statement Friday morning, confirming the testing and the legal order. "Duke University is monitoring the situation and cooperating with officials, as are the students," wrote John Burness, senior vice president for public affairs and government relations.

Burness said the University was awaiting a report from the police department before taking judicial action.

He said the team will continue to play their games as scheduled. The lacrosse team will play Georgetown at Duke 1 p.m. Saturday.

Burness added that head coach Mike Pressler has had conversations with the team.

All players attended practice Friday afternoon, after a two-day break. Pressler said the players were in good spirits and the break was because of an emotional loss to Cornell Tuesday.

He said the guys were energetic and focussed at practice Friday.

"All our focus is on trying to beat the Hoyas now," Pressler said. He added that the team met Thursday for their scouting meeting. "They are very mature young men."

Burness said residents of the house will be allowed to remain for now. Duke bought the Buchanan residence in early March, along with 13 other properties off East Campus.

Mike Van Pelt contributed to this story.

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