"Be careful about jumping to conclusions" - Chapel Hill Herald

This editorial in today's Chapel Hill Herald makes the most important point about the circumstances surrounding the rape charges against five Chapel Hill teenagers -- the importance of dealing with facts and not with rumors. The first fact I will attempt to include here is a link to the court record containing the specific charges made against each of the five. I have asked as well for a copy of the flyer that the Chapel Hill Police reportedly distributed to merchants on Market Street with new "rules" for teenagers. If anyone else has any facts to contribute or suggest, please feel free to do so here.

Each name is linked to the court record. The defendants are Colton SANDERS, Mario Chanquez NEVILLE, Brian Gregory MINTON (second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth (the rape charge), and seventh record), Mark Anthony HOLLAND, and Sean Lee CRAWFORD-BROWN.

And, according to LT Kevin GUNTER of the Chapel Hill Police Department, this is the text of the flyer distributed a "couple of weeks ago", he says, at the opening of the outdoor movie season. The same flyer was used last year as well, he reports.

"AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE MERCHANTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF MARKET STREET IN SOUTHERN VILLAGE

We are pleased that Market Street in Southern Village has become an appealing place for shopping, dining and entertainment. We want everyone to enjoy our atmosphere and everything we offer.

Because of its popularity, Market Street has become a gathering place for teenagers. Often parents drop their kids off and return to pick them up late in the evening, thinking that Market Street is a place where they can leave their kids and not worry about what they are doing. With this becoming more common, we have had some disturbing occurrences – fights, graffiti, large groups of teens roaming the neighborhood, young teens hanging around the Lumina Theatre until almost midnight -- all when the doors to the theater and restaurants have long been locked.

Only a small number of teens have caused trouble, but we must be concerned about the safety of all who visit here.

Parents of teens should know that THERE IS NOTHING OPEN FOR PERSONS UNDER AGE 16 AFTER 9 PM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS. Pazzo is closed to teens at 9 pm, unless accompanied by an adult. Weaver Street Market closes at 9 pm. No one under age 16 will be allowed into a Lumina movie after 9 pm without an adult escort.

In an effort to keep Market Street a safe and welcoming place for families, adults and children, we request that you not drop your young teen(s) to “hang out” at Market Street in Southern Village after 9 p.m.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."