Cloud Hangs Over Duke Graduation

May 14, 2006 — -- As Duke University students and faculty gather for today's commencement ceremonies, the lacrosse team rape investigation continues to cast a dark shadow over the campus, leaving many with mixed emotions.

"It's been a cloud over the university," said Jed Carlson, a student. "I'm sure this will help lift the cloud a little bit perhaps. But it's still weighing on the community. I can feel it."

"I think it's on people's minds," said student Mark Sheftall. "It's a topic of conversation, but I don't think it detracts from graduation ceremonies."

New Evidence

This graduation weekend, reports have given new hope to the defense team.

ABC News has learned that DNA obtained from a vaginal swab on the 27-year-old accuser belongs to her boyfriend -- not members of the lacrosse team facing rape charges. The woman's own mother confirmed this.

"Once again there is not a spattering, not a spider web of indication there was any DNA from those boys anywhere around her," said defense attorney Wade Smith.

Legal analysts caution that DNA is not always present in a rape, so its absence does not necessarily mean there was no attack.

"As a defense lawyer, when I get a report back that says no DNA match to my client, I'm thrilled," said attorney Lisa Miles. "But as a prosecutor, that doesn't necessarily mean this case is over."

However, District Attorney Mike Nifong is not backing down. He has indicated he may seek to indict a third lacrosse player tomorrow, based in part on DNA found on a fake fingernail at the house where the alleged attack took place.

On campus, the Duke community remains torn by the continuing scandal.

"I think it's too early to say one way or the other who's guilty, or if anybody's guilty, or what exactly happened," Sheftall said.