SDSU Rape Case Update: Appeals Court Allows Use of Graphic Videos as Evidence

The California Fourth District Court of Appeal recently allowed a group of former San Diego State football players, known as the ex-Aztecs, accused of raping a 17-year-old girl to use graphic videos as part of their legal defense in the ongoing SDSU rape case lawsuit.

SDSU Rape Case Update: Appeals Court Allows Use of Graphic Videos as Evidence (Photo: Google)

Key Ruling in SDSU Rape Case: Former Players Granted Access to Graphic Videos

A group of ex-San Diego State football players who are being accused of raping a 17-year-old girl may use violent movies to help their case. The woman is said to have made the one-minute movies in her bedroom after being raped at a house party off-campus in October 2021.

Previously, San Diego Superior Court Judge Matthew Braner permitted the defendants access to the videos under limited circumstances to help build their defense. However, the woman’s attorneys opposed the videos’ release due to concerns about child pornography laws.

They contended that the act of duplicating and creating the videos for the defendants contravened California statutes that explicitly forbid the dissemination and publication of explicit juvenile material. In contrast, in its recent decision, the arguments in question were denied by the three-justice panel of the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

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SDSU Rape Case Controversy: Court Grants Ex-Aztecs Access to Graphic Videos for Defense

The panel concluded that the videos are relevant evidence that may support or undermine the woman’s claims against the defendants, as stated in their decision. Judge Braner’s order also specified that the videos would be used for a very limited purpose and destroyed once the case concludes. Prosecutors had previously decided not to bring criminal charges against the players, but in late 2023, a settlement was reached to drop punter Matt Araiza from the case. As part of the settlement, Araiza’s defamation countersuit against the woman was also dropped. The civil case against four more ex-Aztecs is ongoing, and a status meeting is set for next week.

The appeals court’s ruling has sparked a controversial debate about the admissibility of graphic evidence in legal proceedings and the potential violation of child pornography laws. Regardless, the decision sets an important precedent in cases involving alleged sexual assault, highlighting the importance of presenting and considering all available evidence. While the court’s decision provides a significant update in the SDSU rape case, the legal proceedings continue as the remaining defendants prepare for their day in court.

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