After a three-month investigation, Erie County Distric Attorney Frank A. Sedita announced that he won’t be filing rape charges against Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane.
According to a release, here are the results of the investigation:
-- There are significant material inconsistencies between the complainant’s accounts and those of other witnesses.
-- The DNA results lend no corroboration whatsoever to the complainant’s claim of penetration, a required element of proof for a rape charge.
-- The physical evidence and the forensic evidence, when viewed in tandem, tend to contradict the complainant’s claim that she was raped on Kane’s bed.
-- Although Kane has exercised his constitutional right to remain silent (which prohibits questioning by law enforcement), he has made no known incriminating statements to any civilian, nor has he engaged in any conduct consistent with a consciousness of guilt.
The release also mentions that the complainant has signed a “Non-Prosecution Affidavit,” which signifies that she no longer wants to continue with a criminal prosecution.
To read the district attorney’s full statement, click here.
There still remains the possibility that Kane’s accuser will file a civil lawsuit. In fact, Kane’s attorney has predicted she will, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Patrick Kane's agent, Pat Brisson: "We knew all along that Patrick didn't do anything wrong." #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 5, 2015
We’ll update this story as more details are made available.