As you may have heard, there is a currently a very high profile investigation underway in Durham - allegations of a gang rape possibly involving some members of the Duke University (located in Durham) lacrosse team. While I don't belittle the importance of this on-going investigation in any way, when I sit back, watch the news, read the newspapers, etc., with regards to this investigation - it somehow just infuriates me with regards to Janets murder.
Over the past week, I have watched the local DA, Mike Nifong, give countless interviews - locally on television and with newspapers, nationally ranging from the Dan Abrams report, to CNN, to the evening national news broadcasts, to interviews in national newspapers, on and on and on - and in each interview, there is Mike Nifong, front and center - talking about the investigation, how there will be arrests, that he will prosecute the case personally, and even going so far as rushing DNA samples (LE took DNA samples from the players of the team...those samples went to the state crime lab this past Monday, March 27...and with a direct request from Nifong, the results are expected as early as the end of THIS WEEK, or, EARLY NEXT WEEK).......
I see the passion on Nifong's face as he talks about this investigation. I see the tangible passion as he rushes the processing of DNA samples. I see the DA, Nifong, in every single media outlet interview, NOT the police spokesperson mind you, but the DA himself. I see daily the release of information - warrants, statements, 911 calls.
And I think of April 25, 2005. Nearly one year ago.
To my knowledge, the DA has never given a public interview about Janet's murder.
To my knowledge, the DAs office has never contacted local or national media to talk about Janet's murder.
We heard for so long that there was forensic testing being done. DNA results take time. On and on. Was Janet's murder not worthy of the DA pushing for speedy results?
The passion with which Nifong seems to be dedicating himself to this current investigation is admirable...and a passion I would hope the DA's office would bring to each and every case it sees; but, it's obvious that that's not how it works, at least in the Durham DA's office. Perhaps I'm just idealistic to think that ANY crime, against ANY person is dealt with in the same manner. But, it makes me wonder - - -
- if Janet had been a high profile citizen of Durham, would we still be waiting for an arrest one year later?
- if Janet's murder had somehow been more 'sensational', would we still be waiting for an arrest one year later?
- if for whatever reason the DA's office had focused national attention on Janet's murder, would we still be waiting for an arrest one year later?
Perhaps I'm just cynical. Maybe I'm comparing apples and oranges. But to me, when it comes to crime, investigations, etc., and especially within the DA's office, all the fruit in the bowl should be the same, when it comes to priorities, focus, dedication, and passion. Then again, to express even more cynicism, let's not forget, the DA is up for election in a couple of months....
Whomever wins this election has some serious work to do. I'm weary of the term "back-burner"; I'm weary of wondering how 'status' can and does impact the dedication towards one case versus another; I'm especially weary of the phrase "high profile." And again, being idealistic, this MUST change. A crime involving ANY citizen, whether a homeless person, a typical everyday citizen, or the most well known local figure should be treated the SAME - with passion, with dedication, with dignity, and, with respect.
When I see the Durham DA interviewed on the national evening news, regarding Janet's murder, then I'll feel like this system is making progress!
