Lawyers for former Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. learned Friday that they can use video evidence they believe will back their contention that another man, not their client, might have raped a woman in Lawrence, Kan., in September.
The defense team for Shannon, who was suspended from the team for six games last season but reinstated before the postseason, says the video shows another man standing by the alleged victim at the bar where the alleged rape occurred on Sept. 9.
Shannon’s trial is expected to start on Monday.
Shannon was charged in December, although the university dropped its investigation of the incident in April. He guided the Fighting Illini to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before they lost to eventual national champion UConn.
Calling the man in the video a “third-party defendant,” the judge noted the defense’s report that the man was accused of sexually touching another woman at the same bar two weeks earlier.
The alleged victim in the case involving Shannon told officers that Shannon sexually penetrated her with his fingers. She identified him through pictures she saw online.
The judge added: “The third-party defendant is alleged to have been present at the scene of this case and this alleged crime. The court finds that that evidence is relevant and admissible and the defense will be allowed to present that evidence.”
Shannon averaged 23 points in 32 games (31 starts) this season. He led the team in scoring and 3-point baskets (77).
Shannon hopes to be selected in the NBA Draft, slated for June 26-27. Some draft projections have him being selected in the lottery.
–Field Level Media