Jurors Deadlocked in Boston Firefighter Rape Trial

News Summary

In a high-profile case, jurors deliberating the trial of Terence E. Crosbie, an Irish firefighter, were unable to reach a verdict on rape allegations from a St. Patrick’s Day incident. Crosbie is accused of assaulting a woman after she had consensual sex with a fellow firefighter. With competing testimonies and DNA evidence, the trial highlights the complexities surrounding serious allegations. Deliberations will continue as the jury seeks a resolution.

Boston – Jurors in the trial of Terence E. Crosbie, an Irish firefighter, were unable to reach a verdict on Wednesday regarding allegations of rape stemming from a St. Patrick’s Day incident in March 2024. The jury deliberated for approximately 15 hours during the week before the Suffolk Superior Court was adjourned by Judge Sarah Weyland Ellis. Deliberations will resume on Friday following a court closure on Thursday in observance of Juneteenth.

The incident in question occurred in a Boston hotel room shared by Crosbie, 38, and fellow Dublin firefighter Liam O’Brien. Crosbie is accused of raping a 29-year-old woman after she had consensual sex with O’Brien and fell asleep in a separate bed. Crosbie has pleaded not guilty to the charges and claims he had “done nothing wrong.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the jury requested to review specific segments from Crosbie’s recorded police interview, particularly focusing on a moment when Crosbie questioned whether his DNA could have been transferred to the complainant due to prior private activities. However, Judge Ellis denied this request, as that portion was not part of the entered evidence.

Testimonies and Evidence

During the trial, the woman provided her account of the alleged sexual assault, stating she was awakened to find Crosbie assaulting her. The prosecution, represented by Erin Murphy, argued that the evidence supported a guilty verdict, countering defense arguments that the complainant was unreliable due to intoxication. Two distinct male DNA profiles were found in a genital swab from the woman; one was matched to O’Brien, while the other did not conclusively connect Crosbie to the scene.

The defense, led by attorney Daniel C. Reilly, asserted that the evidence did not sufficiently link Crosbie to the alleged rape. Reilly emphasized that the complainant struggled to recall specific details about Crosbie, including identifying his tattoos, and questioned her reliability due to her level of intoxication during the events.

Prosecutors challenged the defense’s assertions by indicating that the complainant was able to give a clear and detailed recollection of the assault shortly after it occurred, contradicting claims of intoxication affecting her memories. Crosbie maintained that he was away from the hotel room for approximately two hours and found himself surprised upon returning to discover no one in his bed.

During cross-examination, video evidence showed Crosbie kissing another woman at a bar shortly before the alleged assault took place. Meanwhile, the complainant had texted a friend shortly after the incident, indicating that she had woken up to find Crosbie in a compromising situation with her.

Next Steps in the Case

As jurors continue their deliberations, the defense is expected to highlight their interpretation of the DNA evidence and question the credibility of the complainant during closing arguments. The case remains ongoing, emphasizing the complexities involved in judicial processes concerning serious allegations.

The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for Crosbie’s personal and professional life, as allegations of this nature carry profound repercussions. The Indianapolis community continues to watch closely as the jurors work towards reaching a verdict in this high-profile case.

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Additional Resources

• Boston Globe: Terence Crosbie Dublin Fire Brigade Rape Case
• Irish Times: Dublin Firefighter Thought He Could Rape With Impunity
• Irish Star: Doctor Testifies in Irish Firefighter’s Rape Case
• Irish Times: Dublin Firefighter Accused of Rape Tells Court
• Google Search: Boston Rape Case