re: Vandy rape case: Juror on trial failed to disclose rape from 20 years ago

quote:

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But I'm pretty sure just about none of us can relate to a friend approaching us and saying "Hey man, my girlfriend is passed out. Do you want to bang her and treat her like one of those chicks in a Girls Gone Wild video? Well, except those girls have their eyes open. Did I mention she's passed out and she's my girlfriend? I'll watch and cheer you on!"

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No doubt on this count. I think Vandenburg found a crew he could lead just like he found what he thought would be a good victim and you know, he might've been right about a gullible victim but then there was the video and photos and this case would've went nowhere without them, even if the girl started recalling bits and pieces which often happens with alcohol but it was more than alcohol in my opinion. And make no mistake, Vandenburg is the type of guy who knows how to charm, manipulate and in this case make even something heinous seem ok while it's happening. There's no telling if these were on coke or another hard drug, Batey's defense tried to make it about drinking but and I'm sure there was some but there's also the thing that a jury despises those who admit to hard drugs like coke or meth etc. (not that the "I was drunk" defense was any better in terms of outcome but it was better than claiming some other drug).

FWIW, this is Batey hugging his lawyer post-verdict (even with most of his face blocked you can see he feels the weight):



In contrast this is Vandenburg (not the only time he looks like this through trial either):



^^Those eyes say it all, imo.