Pittsburgh, PA -- The Downington High School Mock Trial team won an important case this morning after successfully defending themselves against allegations of rape.
"It really wasn't that difficult of a case," said Brandon Parsons, lead prosecutor and one of the three junior members accused of beating and forcing 19 year old Marisa Donaldson to have intercourse with them.
District Attorney Arnold Nosker was surprised by the Downingtown team's ability to plead their case. In 10 years of working as a prosecutor specializing in adolescent abuse cases, Nosker has successfully brought to justice over 150 criminal deviants. "I agreed to join the prosecution because someone had to lock these monsters up for the horrific things they did to Marisa."
The trial lasted a full two hours, with a break halfway through for lemonade and cookies. Each side was allowed a three minute opening statement along with two cross examinations and a closing statement. Jurors were encouraged to evaluate on poise, style, and whether the defendants had raped Ms. Donaldson.
"But we were freshmen back then. Now the cases usually hinge on witness testimony, and that's easy to poke holes in if you've done your homework." The final score for the case was a 94 out of 100. With strong points for presentation from start to finish, the defense team only lost points for Ms. Donaldson's compelling testimony. "It's a lot easier if the main witness is dead," Laura stated after glaring at her two teammates.
"It really wasn't that difficult of a case," said Brandon Parsons, lead prosecutor and one of the three junior members accused of beating and forcing 19 year old Marisa Donaldson to have intercourse with them.
Police arrested Brandon and his team Tuesday morning after 911 received a terrified call incriminating all three honor students. After spending the night in jail, the Downington team was permitted to change suits before entering the courthouse to act as their own defense.
District Attorney Arnold Nosker was surprised by the Downingtown team's ability to plead their case. In 10 years of working as a prosecutor specializing in adolescent abuse cases, Nosker has successfully brought to justice over 150 criminal deviants. "I agreed to join the prosecution because someone had to lock these monsters up for the horrific things they did to Marisa."
The trial lasted a full two hours, with a break halfway through for lemonade and cookies. Each side was allowed a three minute opening statement along with two cross examinations and a closing statement. Jurors were encouraged to evaluate on poise, style, and whether the defendants had raped Ms. Donaldson.
"There was no question of their guilt," Nosker continued after comforting Marissa, who broke down in tears after hearing the non-guilty verdict. "We had two on scene witnesses to the gang rape." Additionally, Mr. Nosker was able to get Marisa discharged from the hospital to testify on the witness stand. With the help of her nurses, she stood and pointed out all three attackers in the courtroom.
"And still they came out on top. These kids exhibit real talent and may become great lawyers one day."
This is the fourth district competition the team has won, and the third accusation of rape and domestic violence they have been charged with in the last three years. As a result, their ability to put together a strong case has only improved. "During our first trial we made a lot of mistakes," Laura Pacifi explained to local reporters while switching out of her heels into flip flops. "There was a lot more evidence-- bloody clothing, used condoms, and even a videotape of the entire incident."
"And still they came out on top. These kids exhibit real talent and may become great lawyers one day."
This is the fourth district competition the team has won, and the third accusation of rape and domestic violence they have been charged with in the last three years. As a result, their ability to put together a strong case has only improved. "During our first trial we made a lot of mistakes," Laura Pacifi explained to local reporters while switching out of her heels into flip flops. "There was a lot more evidence-- bloody clothing, used condoms, and even a videotape of the entire incident."
"But we were freshmen back then. Now the cases usually hinge on witness testimony, and that's easy to poke holes in if you've done your homework." The final score for the case was a 94 out of 100. With strong points for presentation from start to finish, the defense team only lost points for Ms. Donaldson's compelling testimony. "It's a lot easier if the main witness is dead," Laura stated after glaring at her two teammates.
"Which we thought was the case."
High school social studies teacher Robert Falk has been the faculty sponsor for the 'Downingtown High Justice League' for the past five years. Though he has no background as a lawyer, Mr. Falk has received praise for cultivating such a talented group of kids. "They deserve all the credit. I just show up to unlock the classroom."
High school social studies teacher Robert Falk has been the faculty sponsor for the 'Downingtown High Justice League' for the past five years. Though he has no background as a lawyer, Mr. Falk has received praise for cultivating such a talented group of kids. "They deserve all the credit. I just show up to unlock the classroom."
When asked if he had witnessed any suspicious or disturbing behavior by the accused, Mr. Falk was unsure. "I also coach field hockey so I can't really come to their practices. But now that you mention it, I remember Marissa was supposed to come to my office the day of the attack."
Falk then announced to reporters outside the courtroom that he would treat the team to gelato. Not wanting to play favorites, he also invited Marissa and her family for frozen ice. "It's the least I can do since they also did a great job. I know Marissa pretty well since she's on the field hockey team."
There's no telling what's in store next for the three future lawyers as they continue to overcome increasingly serious felonies. Many Ivy League colleges are already starting to take notice of the bright young stars.
There's no telling what's in store next for the three future lawyers as they continue to overcome increasingly serious felonies. Many Ivy League colleges are already starting to take notice of the bright young stars.
Brandon Parsons received an offer from Cornell after the Downingtown team negotiated Mr. Falk's divorce the previous year, leaving his former wife with absolutely nothing. "I'm really proud of these kids and their interest in the justice system," said Falk before initiating three cheers for the home team. "This was definitely their biggest case yet, so of course I'm glad it came with the biggest trophy."
Once authorities removed their handcuffs, the Downingtown team anxiously high-fived one another and held up their award for local newspapers. "Now that we don't have to go to jail, our team has a real chance of making it all the way to the state competition this year," Parsons told reporters. "Sure, we raped that girl. But our parents are real lawyers. We don't even know what love is."
Once authorities removed their handcuffs, the Downingtown team anxiously high-fived one another and held up their award for local newspapers. "Now that we don't have to go to jail, our team has a real chance of making it all the way to the state competition this year," Parsons told reporters. "Sure, we raped that girl. But our parents are real lawyers. We don't even know what love is."
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