Prosecution and Defense Rest in Teen's Rape at Parkside High in Salisbury

Jocori M. Scarborough

SALISBURY, Md. (WBOC)- The trial of an 18-year-old man accused of raping a fellow student in a school hallway in Salisbury in May is expected to wrap up on Tuesday

Jocori M. Scarborough of Delmar, Md., has pleaded not guilty to rape, assault, false imprisonment and other charges. The prosecution called 11 witnesses on Monday to the defense's one witness.  Scarborough, however, did not take the stand in his own defense.

A 15-year-old girl who said Scarborough raped her in a hallway at Parkside High School on Beaglin Park Drive in Salisbury on May 5 did testify against Scarborough.  During her testimony, the victim admitted to having a previous relationship, which had ended, with Scarborough prior to the alleged incident in the school.  The victim also testified that she kissed Scarborough inside Parkside High School prior to the alleged assault taking place. The prosecution's witnesses also testified about the DNA collected from the victim and her underwear.  A forensics expert testified that Scarborough's semen was found in the victim's underwear. The video surveillance from inside the school was also played in court for the jury.  The video and still images showed Scarborough and the victim together in a hallway prior to alleged assault.  However, where the incident is said to have taken place, there was no camera pointing down that hallway.

The defense's one witness was a friend of Scarborough's who was with Scarborough and the victim in the school's hallways prior to the incident.  The friend testified that he does not believe any force was used by Scarborough on the victim.

Closing arguments are expected to get underway first thing on Tuesday morning and then jury deliberations will begin.

 

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