Vanderbilt rape victim speaks out after verdict
The woman raped in a Vanderbilt dorm offered a written statement Tuesday after her attackers were convicted.
The Vanderbilt University graduate who was raped inside a dorm in June 2013 offered a written statement Tuesday after her attackers were convicted.
Assistant District Attorney Jan Norman read the statement in full:
"Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this difficult process. I'm thankful that the criminal justice system will hold the defendants responsible for their violent crimes. The hard work of the law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victims' advocates who dedicated so many months of their lives to this case has made justice possible.
I want to especially thank detective Jason Mayo, Sgt. Mike Shreeve, Detective Chad Gish, Deputy District Attorney Tom Thurman, Assistant District Attorneys Jan Norman and Roger Moore and victims' advocates Wanda Swan, Lt. Rochelle Barrios and Teresa Shearon. You are my heroes and I am so proud of and grateful for each of you.
"I am also hopeful that the publicity this case has received will lead to a discussion of how we can end sexual violence on college campuses. Finally, I want to remind other victims of sexual violence: You are not alone. You are not to blame."
A Nashville jury convicted Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg on 16 felonies, including several counts of aggravated rape.
The woman, who was 21 and unconscious at the time of the attack, has since graduated and is pursuing her doctorate in another state. She testified last week, identifying herself in videos of the attack and recalling a severe illness the next day.