Attorneys representing two of the men accused of sexually assaulting Louisiana State University sophomore Madison Brooks want access to her phone, claiming it’s necessary to bypass rape shield laws, a lawyer representing Brooks’ mother reportedly said.
According to Fox News Digital, Casen Carver’s lawyer, Joe Long, filed a request to obtain data from Brooks’ phone for the 72 hours preceding the alleged January rape.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 19-year-old Brooks was drinking at Reggie’s Bar near the LSU campus, when she asked Kaivon Washington, 18; Everette Lee, 28; Casen Carver, 18; and 17-year-old Desmond Carter for a ride home. She allegedly said she was intoxicated and couldn’t find her friends.
Since Brooks was purportedly unable to tell them where she lived, they dropped her off in a subdivision; she was later hit by a car driven by a ride-share driver.
Madison passed away from her injuries at a hospital. A coroner later determined that she was sexually assaulted prior to her death. According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the suspects are now facing charges that include:
- Washington: Third-degree rape
- Carter: First and third-degree rape (will be tried as an adult)
- Lee: Principal to third-degree rape (which means they were present but did not take part and did nothing to stop it)
- Carver: Principle to third-degree rape
Long declined to comment to Fox News Digitals when asked about the phone records request, citing a gag order in the case. However, he reportedly told WAFB that the defense has the right to identify the source of Brooks’ physical trauma.
“We know from other things that my client certainly did not cause any injury to Madison Brooks,” Long told WAFB. “So, we are entitled then to find out if someone other than the defendants caused this injury.”
“It’s just a way to circumvent the rape shield laws, poorly circumvent the victim’s rights, I might add, and I think the appellate court will see that, too.”
Prosecutors have contested the motion in court, arguing the defense is not entitled to Brooks’ phone or sexual history. Last week, however, the judge approved Long’s request.
Desmond Carter’s public defender also requested the victim’s phone records, but hasn’t commented about it, according to Fox News Digital.
An autopsy revealed that Brooks’ blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit, and all four of the suspects had been drinking at the bar. Only 28-year-old Lee, however, was drinking legally.
Washington reportedly recorded parts of the interactions during the last hours with Brooks, which showed the argument breaking out between Brooks and Carver.
Check back for updates.
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[Featured image: Madison Brooks/Handout]
