Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 1, 1990 TAG: 9007010238
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
"I can say that I'm confident that the truth will come out," the 17-year-old Fairfax County girl told The Washington Post. "That's my main concern, that the truth will come out."
After seven weeks of public silence, the girl said she wants everyone to know that she is not lying, according to today's editions of the newspaper.
On Friday, the grand jury closed its investigation of defenseman Neil Sheehy, 30, right wing Dino Ciccarelli, 30, and left wing Geoff Courtnall, 27, U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Judy Smith said.
A fourth player, Scott Stevens, 26, was reported to be in the limousine at the time, but no allegations against him were brought before the jury.
The girl had accused the players of attacking her May 11 in a limousine parked in an alley outside Champions bar in Washington's Georgetown section. The incident occurred after a team party.
Unidentified sources close to the investigation told the Post that law enforcement authorities are certain there was sexual activity in the limousine. However, the sources said the grand jury did not believe the girl was forced to have sex.
The players released a joint statement saying the decision "confirms our innocence."
The girl, who does not want to be identified by name, is particularly upset that some people - including the accused players - see the grand jury decision as a declaration of their innocence.
"The grand jury's decision doesn't necessarily mean that they're guilty or not guilty," the girl said. "It's a case of finding whether there's enough evidence for a trial."
In interviews Friday and Saturday, the family repeatedly said they wanted the girl's side of the story told, but could not discuss the details of the alleged assault on the advice of their lawyers.
Her parents said she has been deeply traumatized and is undergoing counseling. The girl no longer is working and moved back home several weeks ago after the lease ran out at the townhouse where she had lived.
by CNB