Desmond Carter, 21, accused in the alleged gang rape of Madison Brooks, has filed a motion to prevent her family and friends from wearing pink in the courtroom, arguing it could influence the jury. The trial is set to begin on August 17.
Motion to Ban Pink
Carter's defense team submitted the motion, claiming that the presence of pink-clad supporters could create a "carnival atmosphere" and violate his right to a fair trial. The Brooks family and supporters have worn pink to honor the late student at public events and court hearings.
The judge is expected to rule on the motion on Tuesday, August 4. Prosecutors from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney's Office have urged the court to dismiss it, labeling the defense's argument a "gross mischaracterisation of the facts at hand," according to WBRZ.
Prosecutors Respond
Prosecutors noted that Brooks' family and friends have consistently worn pink at numerous prior legal proceedings related to her death. They argued that Brooks' supporters would be "silent, passive spectators" and dismissed Carter's demands as "absurd."
Brooks, a 19-year-old Louisiana State University cheerleader, died in January 2023 after being struck by a vehicle on a motorway. She had been allegedly gang-raped by three men and left on the roadside.
Charges and Defense
Carter faces rape charges along with Kaivon Washington and Casen Carver. Prosecutors allege the men attacked Brooks in a vehicle after an evening of drinking. All three deny the accusations, claiming the encounter was consensual.
In legal filings, defense attorneys for Carver and Carter suggested that Brooks' injuries might have resulted from consensual intercourse with another LSU student the night before. A judge dismissed that motion as "irrelevant."
Additional Allegations
Washington faces additional rape charges involving another woman and a 12-year-old girl. The woman alleges she was attacked in October 2023, while the case involving the minor dates back to 2020.
The motorist who struck Brooks was not charged, as he was not under the influence and had alerted emergency services. The coroner's office confirmed Brooks died from "multiple traumatic injuries."
