Vanderbilt rape case: Reaction to the mistrial

A Nashville judge Tuesday declared a mistrial in the case of Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey.

The two former Vanderbilt University football players were convicted in January of multiple counts of aggravated rape, aggravated sexual battery and other charges stemming from a June 23, 2013, rape in a Vanderbilt dorm.

But on Tuesday, the judge said one juror who heard the case was biased. The juror did not disclose that he was a past victim of a sexual assault.

Here are reactions to the decision.

Sunny Eaton, attorney for juror Todd Easter:

The Tennessean does not typically name sexual assault victims. Eaton agreed Tuesday that Easter could be identified in this case.

"Mr. Easter stands by his original statement that he neither lied nor intentionally misrepresented himself during the jury selection process. He has immense remorse about the impact this is having on the victim and parties involved. Out of respect for the victim, Mr. Easter declines to make any further statements at this time."

Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson:

"The resolve of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to seek justice on behalf of the courageous victim in this case is as strong today as when the investigation began. Lead detectives Jason Mayo, Chad Gish and Sgt. Mike Shreeve, along with the men and women of the police department who supported them, will absolutely be prepared to again present their findings in future legal proceedings as necessary."

Rachel Freeman, vice president of programs at the Nashville Sexual Assault Center:

"Our first impression is that this is a very disheartening decision, or could be very disheartening for victims and survivors of sexual abuse. As we all watched this trial unfold a few months ago, we saw more graphic details than we see in most cases. ... We know that it's already extremely difficult to disclose an assault, to move forward with pressing charges. We would hate to see that this kind of decision would cause more hesitation for survivors of assault."

Beth Fortune, vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University:

"The judge has made his decision, and Vanderbilt will continue to cooperate as necessary as this case makes its way through the legal proceedings."

Statement from District Attorney Glenn Funk and assistant district attorneys Tom Thurman, Roger Moore and Jan Norman:

"We respect the judge's decision. This was an issue that fortunately does not come up very often. It serves to strike home the importance of the jury selection process. This Office will be requesting that a new trial date be set as soon as possible. This ruling does not, in any way, affect the evidence that exists; nor does it affect the state's resolve to vigorously pursue justice in this matter. Justice may be delayed but it will not be denied. Anything further will be addressed in court."

Randall Reagan, attorney for Vandenburg:

"Obviously we're very pleased about the ruling, not only for what it means for Brandon Vandenburg but also what it means for our system of justice."

Kathy Walsh, executive director of the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence:

"I think the mistrial does have an effect for other victims who are thinking about coming forward, and feeling as though the system may not work for them."