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Concord Police
Detective Julie Curtin, who led the investigation into the
alleged May 2014 rape at St. Paul's School said the victim had
been poised during an initial interview but broke down when
brought to the steps of the building where she said the incident
occurred.
"She had very a significant physical reaction. She crumpled into
her mom's arms and her family took her out of there," Curtin
testified on Monday in the trial of 19-year-old Owen Labrie, who
is charged with sexually assaulting the girl days before his
graduation.
The trial has cast a harsh light on the culture at the exclusive
boarding school, whose alumni include Secretary of State John
Kerry. Students have testified that it was common for graduating
seniors to extend invitations to younger students to get
together for so-called "senior salutes," often for sexual
purposes.
St. Paul's has said that the alleged tradition does not reflect
its values.
The alleged victim last week testified that when she accepted
Labrie's invitation, she thought they would kiss but no more,
and had not been prepared for his aggressive approach.
Defense attorney J.W. Carney said that the two had a consensual
encounter that did not include intercourse.
Labrie is expected to testify in his own defense before the
trial's conclusion, which could come as early as this week.
He has pleaded not guilty to three felony sexual assault
charges, which each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in
prison.
(Writing by Scott Malone; Editing by Bernard Orr)
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