Convictions tossed, new trial ordered in Rutgers webcam case
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey appeals court on Friday threw out the 15-count conviction of a former Rutgers University student whose roommate killed himself after being captured on a webcam kissing another man.
The judges ordered a new trial on other counts including invasion of privacy, tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension because, they wrote, the evidence prosecutors used to prove the bias charges "tainted the jury's verdict on the remaining charges, depriving defendant of his constitutional right to a fair trial."
Tyler Clementi's parents, who formed a foundation that addresses bullying and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, said in an email the ruling "shows us how much more work there is to be done, and will push us forward with stronger determination to create a kinder, more empathic society where every person is valued and respected."