Crucial DNA Evidence Presented In Skating Rink Rape Trial
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- DNA evidence is the focus in the trial of one man accused of gang-raping a girl at a popular Baltimore County roller skating rink.
Weijia Jiang has details from the courtroom.
The state rested its case Thursday afternoon and as expected, all of the testimony was extremely graphic.
In court, 26-year-old Davon Perry turned and smiled at his father after the jury that will decide his fate heard critical testimony that could help his case.
Perry is one of three men accused of gang-raping a then 12-year-old girl inside Skateworks, a Woodlawn roller skating rink.
The child testified that in August 2010, the three men dragged her to a storage room, then took turns forcing her to have oral sex and intercourse.
On the witness stand, two police officers who were working security that night told jurors the girl was completely covered in semen.
On Thursday, a forensic scientist said there was not a single trace of Perry's DNA on or inside the victim after processing several pieces of her clothing, a standard rape kit and swabs of her body. But the expert also said the lack of DNA in sexual assault cases does not clear the suspect, and said he may have not ejaculated, he used a condom, he might not have viable sperm, had a vasectomy or it simply didn't show up.
Perry's lawyer Roland Brown fired back pointing to extensive amounts of DNA from 19-year-old Kadeem Santiful who pleaded guilty. Tracy Hankins also admitted to having sex with the girl and his DNA showed up, too.
Prosecutors also relied heavily on surveillance video that showed Perry was at the scene. A jury will decide if it is enough to convict him.
Based on the evidence, the judge and the state threw out several charges in the 29-count indictment against Perry, but he still faces second-degree rape and second-degree sex offense charges, among others.
The jurors have been released for the day. They will be back first thing Friday morning when the defense will start its case.
Skateworks has since reopened under a new name.
