It seems the Chicago Blackhawks may have had good reason to allow embattled star forward Patrick Kane to attend training camp after all, despite the looming presence of an ongoing rape investigation of which Kane is the main suspect. According to a report from the Buffalo News, a rape kit performed on the victim the night of the alleged incident reveals that Kane's DNA was not found "in the woman's genital area or on her undergarments."
The News, citing four sources familiar with the case, reports that "no trace" of Kane's DNA was found on the victim in these areas.
Of course, this does not mean that a sexual assault of some kind did not occur, but it certainly seems to strengthen Kane - and the team's - position, both in the court of law and the court of public opinion.
While it's not uncommon for rapists to wear condoms, the complete lack of any DNA evidence in these specific areas is certainly questionable.
"If the vaginal swabs taken at the hospital show no sign of his DNA, that could very well exonerate him of rape," Frank J. Clark, a former Buffalo DA said, per the News. Clark called the lack of DNA evidence a possible "game-changer" for Kane.
Still, Kane's DNA was found beneath the victim's fingernails and on her shoulders, per the News' sources. The presence of Kane's DNA in these areas could be a result of "casual contact," according to the sources speaking with the News, but Kane's DNA under her fingernails could also be a sign of a struggle.
"It could still be a serious matter for Kane, possibly some sort of assault or sexual misconduct, but that would probably be much less serious than a rape," Clark told the News.
An out-of-court civil settlement continues to be pursued by Kane's attorney's and the victim's representatives. Kane, appearing at Chicago's training camp this week, stated his innocence and his hope that he would eventually be absolved of any wrongdoing.
