Testimony continues in rape trial

MARQUETTE — Day two of a rape trial continues. Prosecution witnesses will continue testifying in the U.S. District Court in Marquette Saturday in a graphic rape trial of a victim who now denies she was raped.

The victim is a 43-year-old woman of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. When she took the stand, the victim claimed to love and pursue the suspect, Lynn LaVictor, who is also a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe.

She was asked if she told a friend that she had been raped, and was evasive with her answer before denying it.  The victim recanted earlier statements made to law enforcement officials and hospital staff.

In fact, the victim testified she now has a way to sexual encounters from turning into an injury.  “I just recently found out I should have a ‘safe word’,” she said. “I didn’t know what a ‘safe word’ was.”

Prosecutors declared her a hostile witness. The alleged incident happened earlier this year, and the victim needed medical attention after the incident.

Testifying Friday were employees of the War Memorial Hospital in the Soo including Dr. Marvin Neri, who was working in the ER the night the victim was brought in by an ambulance and Registered Nurse Michelle Savoie.

The jury consisting of 9 women and 3 men is expected to get the case by Tuesday.