Rutgers Student Dharun Ravi Doesn’t Testify as Defense Rests
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ABC News(NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.) — Accused Rutgers student Dharun Ravi did not take the stand to defend himself against charges that he activated a webcam to peek at roommate Tyler Clementi and another man kissing and then encouraged others to do the same.
The defense rested its case Monday in the trial of Ravi, who told Judge Glenn Berman that he did not want to testify.
Ravi, now 20, is charged with invasion of privacy, bias intimidation, witness tampering and hindering arrest. The charges stem from his alleged spying on Clementi’s date on Sept. 19, 2010 and then encouraging others to do the same during Clementi’s second date on Sept. 21.
Clementi, who was an 18-year-old freshman, killed himself on Sept. 22 by jumping off the George Washington Bridge. His death and the charges against Ravi sparked public outrage over cyber-bullying and gay-bullying among students.
Ravi, however, is not charged in connection with Clementi’s death. Clementi left behind a note, but its contents have never been made public.
Ravi faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the most serious of charges.
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