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October 17, 2013

Special Prosecutor Sought in Maryville Rape Case 
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A Missouri prosecutor who dropped charges in the Maryville rape case
that has ignited national outrage says he will ask a special prosecutor
to re-examine the case. The victim, Daisy Coleman, says she was given
alcohol and raped during a gathering of high-school athletes last year
while another teen filmed the incident on his phone. The 14-year-old was
then dumped on her porch in below-freezing temperatures, barely
conscious. Her 13-year-old friend also says she was sexually assaulted
the same night. Despite reported evidence and interviews supporting the
case, prosecutors dropped charges against Daisy's accused rapist,
Matthew Barnett, a well-connected football player, and her family faced
such constant harassment they say they were forced to leave town. The
prosecutor's announcement came a day after Missouri's lieutenant
governor called for a grand jury to review the case.

 

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