Opening statements begin in St. Paul's student rape case
CONCORD, N.H. - Both prosecutors and defense lawyers in the rape trial of a recent New Hampshire prep school graduate say the accuser's credibility will be the most vital aspect of the case.
During opening statements Tuesday, the prosecutor told jurors that 19-year-old Owen Labrie raped a 15-year-old freshman as part of the "Senior Salute," a practice of sexual conquest at the prestigious St. Paul's School in Concord.
Labrie's lawyer says his client will testify that he had consensual sexual contact with the girl two days before he graduated last year. But, the lawyer says, it wasn't intercourse.
Labrie, who is from Tunbridge, Vermont, has pleaded not guilty to several felonies. During his trial, prosecutors are expected to call current and former students to testify about the alleged sexual culture at one of the country's most selective boarding schools.
Prosecutors say Labrie took his victim by surprise, before she could resist or flee, and raped her repeatedly. He is charged with three counts of aggravated felony sex assault, endangering the welfare of a child and using a computer to lure the girl to the on-campus meeting.
Labrie denied having intercourse with the girl, telling police that they partially disrobed, kissed and touched. He also acknowledged putting on a condom. Labrie said the freshman girl was eager to have sex, but the aspiring divinity student said he had a "moment of self-restraint" and stopped.
A jury was seated Monday and the jurors will tour the school Tuesday afternoon. It isn't clear when testimony will begin.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.