Report: DNA does not confirm Kane accuser's account
DNA evidence does not confirm a woman's allegations that Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane sexually assaulted her, The Buffalo News is reporting.
Citing four sources familiar with the case, the newspaper reported that DNA tests taken from a rape kit conducted on the woman showed no trace of Kane's DNA in the woman's genital area or on her undergarments. Kane's DNA was found beneath the woman's fingernails and on her shoulders, according to two of the newspaper's sources, one of them a member of law enforcement.
Legal experts quoted by The Buffalo News had differing opinions on the significance of the findings. One said the lack of DNA does not necessarily prove a sexual assault did not occur, but another is quoted as saying the evidence could “exonerate” Kane.
Kane, 26, has been under investigation by authorities in upstate New York since last month, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her Aug. 2 at his Buffalo-area home. Kane, who has not been charged, said at a news conference Thursday that he is confident he “will be absolved” of the allegations.
Despite the cloud of uncertainty, Kane is taking part in the Blackhawks' training camp in South Bend, Indiana, where he received a rousing welcome from fans during the team's first practice sessions Friday.