Nifong Implodes

The SANE nurse and the officers (except for Sgt. Shelton) believed her.

'There were no questions presented to me by anyone about her story."

Nifong: Mangum as of 12-21 did not know what object she was being sexually assaulted with.

Q: What was your assessment of your chances at the suppression hearing?
A: Never thought about it; got notice from the state bar at about that time.

"My focus at that time was after we got her through the child-bearing complications if she wanted to proceed with the case."

Is it Nifong's job to "get her through the child-bearing process"?

Denies that there was a relationship between the scheduling of the Wilson interview and the communication from the Bar on DNA.

Has just claimed that he never spoke with an attorney who offered to speak with him about the case and his client. (Jim Cooney made this offer in a November meeting with Nifong.)

Says that he has never spoken with an attorney before seeking indictments.

Claims that he would have sat down with Seligmann if Reade had been willing to do so.

"Throughout my time"--Nifong now begins to tear up--"Throughout the years that I have served as a prosecutor in NC, I have always tried to do the right thing. In this case, I was trying to do the right thing. Much of the criticism that has been directed against me in this case are justified. The allegations against me that I am a liar are not justified. I felt that it was important to come before this commission and to defend myself against the allegations."

Nifong is now speaking just above a whisper, and in tears. Denies again that he has lied or intentionally mis-represented himself.

"Very proud of my son, and hopes that he is proud of me."

"It has become increasingly apparent during the course of this week, in some ways that might not have been apparent before, that my presence as a district attorney as Durham does not serve the cause of justice."