Prosecutors say grand jury heard age evidence in Phoebe Prince case
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NORTHAMPTON - A grand jury heard clear evidence that Phoebe Prince was underage when she and an older classmate allegedly had sex, prosecutors say.
A statutory rape charge against Austin Renaud, 19, of Springfield, could be dismissed if prosecutors failed to establish Prince was under 16 at the time of the alleged offense.
In a four-page argument filed today in Hampshire Superior Court, Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Thomas Townsend said grand jurors could infer from the testimony of Prince's mother, Anne O'Brien, that Prince was 15 at the time Renaud allegedly slept with her.
Meanwhile, Judge Mary-Lou Rup is weighing other reasons Renaud's lawyer says the charge should be dismissed. Attorney Terrence Dunphy maintains prosecutors failed to specify where and when Renaud and Prince allegedly had sex, and also didn't show the grand jury a tape of Renaud denying the accusation when questioned by police.
A hearing is scheduled for March 9.
Renaud was charged after an investigation of Prince's Jan. 14, 2010, suicide, which prosecutors say followed relentless bullying at South Hadley High School. Harassment and other charges are pending against five other students.
- JAMES F. LOWE
Phoebe Prince case legal document on age of victim
Comments
Adolescent
This teen was maybe two years older than Phoebe Prince at the time of their relationship. Having sex with her wasn't a crime. He was caught in a wide net cast by the DA to combat bullying.
Developmentally he probably wasnt anymore mature than she was. This may have done some psychological damage to this teen who may have used some poor judgement but (based on the information I have read) dies not appear to be a bully or a criminal. My heart goes out to the family of Phoebe Prince