If I had been forced to predict the outcome of the trial against ex-Rutgers student Dharun Ravi, I'd have guessed he would be found guilty of the lesser charges related to spying on his roommate, Tyler Clementi, but cleared of the more serious "bias intimidation" count. I figured the "bullying" hoopla had died down a bit, and that his defense team would say it was just a teenage prank gone horribly wrong, and the jury would probably feel pity on him since he had no way of knowing it would end so tragically. That his life has been pretty ruined already, albeit nowhere near his spy victim's, would also engender sympathy. But now that closing arguments have begun and I"ve read how his lawyers are claiming this had nothing to do with the childish plan to "come watch the (gay) show in my dorm room" -- that it was really about keeping an eye on his stuff because Tyler's partner looked "scruffy," "homeless" and "out of place" -- I have a feeling he may go all the way down. People tend to be forgiving of people who admit wrongdoing. And what was in his heart was what was really on trial here, not his actual actions. But by denying what he clearly did -- he didn't invite people to come over to help him "keep an eye on my stuff"!!!! -- and blaming the other victim of the spying for his appearance, I can't imagine anyone would want to cut him any slack.
Anyone else following this think otherwise?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Is Tyler Clementi Defendant Blaming the Other Victim?
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3 comments:
This was the wrong tactic. He couldn't suppress the inner d-bag. Being a d-bag isn't a crime - but putting it on display doesn't get you clemency, either.
i think he'll get off scott-free. he does not deserve to based on the basic premise that if tyler's "date" had been a girl, none of this would have happened. and if ravi was so afraid of his ipad's well-being, he should not have left it in his room since he knew well in advance that tyler was having a guest over.
Very hard to predict what this jury will do, but I'm w/u that he might go down hard. The jury members are of various ages, which means it could take a long time to reach a verdict -- if at all.
They're asking bout count 2, which means they've already found him guilty of count 1, invasion of privacy. I don't get Ravi at all. There he is looking totally bored -- sitting so casually w/his chin on his hand or yawning or falling asleep & sometimes he's even laughing. Does he not realize what deep doo-doo he's in? Something is very off bout him. Even if he gets no jail time, if he's found guilty of any of the charges, he can still get deported.
Tyler's family doesn't look bored & I doubt they've laughed at any time in that courtroom. Even Molly Wei was solemn & respectful. Must say Ravi's parents look absolutely miserable.
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