Neighbors have the wrong justification

I am both appalled and saddened by an anonymous and cowardly quote in the April 11 article, "Community questions if case is closed." The Durham resident who refused to give her name said, "The neighborhood would like to see something-one or more found guilty."

This quote is astonishing for a couple reasons-mostly because she is indicating that she hopes a rape did occur. The fact that the neighborhood is holding its breath for charges and a guilty verdict means they want this woman to have experienced a rape just so the men who were once her neighbors will be punished. I think they have been punished enough, and unlike the person who made this statement, they have not been able to remain anonymous.

Even if no charges are filed, these men's lives have been changed forever. No one should ever wish a rape on anyone, which is what this Durham resident has done.

We would all be better off if this was just a story the accuser began to tell that spun out of her control. For her sake, let's hope that is the case. That would be a hundred times better than if she actually went through such a horrible thing as a rape.

Evan Shoop

Trinity '06