Louisiana's Supreme Court has overturned a judge's dismissal of a 1972 rape conviction, criticizing the judge presiding over the alleged rape of LSU student Madison Brooks for her "grossly erroneous" ruling that sparked questions of conflicts of interest.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has overturned a judge's dismissal of a 1972 rape conviction, criticizing the judge presiding over the alleged rape of LSU student Madison Brooks for her "grossly erroneous" ruling that sparked questions of conflicts of interest.
Judge Gail Horne Ray, who is presiding over the alleged rape case, dismissed Donald Ray Link's 1972 conviction without his lawyer's request. The court's two-page decision, obtained by Fox News Digital, is replete with harsh language about Ray's decision.
"It is certainly not a means by which a district court can vacate a decades-long, final conviction in response to a motion to clarify sentence," wrote a state Supreme Court judge.
Ray has a history of leniency in rape cases, which has led to confrontations with current DA Hillar Moore III. She released De'Aundre Cox, accused of raping his preteen neighbor, without alerting the victim or notifying Moore's office.
Before becoming a judge, Ray defended her son, who was arrested for multiple rapes in the mid-1990s. He pleaded guilty to several rapes and Ray fought for a lighter sentence.
The judge's rulings, coupled with her son's criminal history, have raised concerns about her impartiality in the Brooks case. Brooks' family believes she may not get a fair trial.
Ray has not responded to questions about potential conflicts of interest or the Supreme Court's ruling. It is unclear if she will recuse herself from the Brooks case.
Ray's history has also drawn criticism from other organizations. A woman who survived sexual assault as a teenager expressed concern over the judge's punishment for vacating her attacker's conviction.
The Baton Rouge NAACP, however, has defended Ray, citing her lifetime membership and dedication to justice. The organization urged the Supreme Court to consider the broader implications of any decision in the context of a fair and equitable judicial process.
All the suspects arrested and charged in Brooks' attack have pleaded not guilty and maintained their innocence. Their lawyers have argued the sex was consensual and that it would not be a criminal case if Brooks did not die.
Carver and Carter are scheduled to appear in court in July to obtain access to Brooks' phone data. The defense intends to challenge her blood alcohol content, which prosecutors claim was .319%.
The case has captured national attention and raised concerns about the justice system's handling of sexual assault cases. The Supreme Court's ruling and Ray's history have further clouded the case, leaving questions about whether Brooks will receive a fair trial.
