Molly Wei, Key Witness, To Be Back On Stand In Rutgers Webcam Spy Case Of Dharun Ravi

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The first time she met with police, Molly Wei realized that briefly viewing a live web stream of a dorm mate kissing another man was a serious problem, the former Rutgers University student testified Tuesday in the trial of a classmate.

By the time her meeting with investigators was over, she was so rattled that she had her parents take her to their family home in Princeton Junction, a half-hour away.

"At the end of the conversation, the police officers told me that Tyler was missing and that he had possibly committed suicide," she said, showing emotion that she hadn't when she testified Monday. "I was overwhelmed, very sad, and I felt very bad if anything had happened."

It would get worse.

Wei, 19, finished her testimony Tuesday in the hate-crime trial of Dharun Ravi, who is accused of using his webcam to spy on his roommate, Tyler Clementi. It turned out that by the time Wei met with police, on Sept. 23, 2010, Clementi had jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge.

Ravi, 20, faces 15 criminal counts, including bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and several counts that accuse him of trying to cover his tracks. He is not charged in Clementi's death.

Wei was initially charged too, but she entered a pretrial intervention program last year that can keep her record clean. One condition of the program is truthful testimony in Ravi's criminal case.

She said she called Rutgers police a few days later after learning about a Twitter message Ravi posted on Sept. 21, when Clementi requested privacy in the room again. "Anyone with iChat," he posted, "I dare you to videochat me between the hours of 9:30 and 12. Yes, it's happening again."

By the time she learned about that, days later, she said, "I knew that what happened was more serious than I thought."

That time, when she went into the police station, she was charged with invasion of privacy.

She said she left Rutgers that night and never returned as a student.

Ravi's Sept. 21 tweet was a major topic Tuesday during the trial's third day of testimony.

A second student, Alissa Agarwal, told jurors she remembered Ravi "hyping up" that message in a conversation, then going back to her room and showing her how she could video-chat with him.

Agarwal said they sat together in her dorm room desk chair as he turned his camera on in his own room – then empty – for a few seconds.

"I don't remember why we turned it on," she said. "I don't remember why we turned it off."

Defense lawyer Steven Altman tried to cast doubt on whether Ravi told Agarwal and others about his tweet and to tune in.

There's no indication that anyone saw a web stream of Clementi and his guest that night. Documents included in pre-trial motions suggest Ravi's computer was unplugged at the time Clementi had company.

Altman also questioned Agarwal about a series of text messages she exchanged – many of them flirty, such as her saying, "I missed your absurdness yesterday." One string of texts had messages between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Agarwal seemed sheepish during some of those exchanges, at one point saying: "This is a stupid conversation we're having. I don't see how this is relevant."

Later, Judge Glenn Berman raised a similar concern, asking Altman what point he was trying to make.

Altman responded: "It had nothing to do with Tyler."

In other words, the man accused of telling others to spy on his roommate was discussing everything except his roommate.

___

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PHOTOS:

Loading Slideshow

• Dharun Ravi, Steve Altman

  Dharun Ravi, 20, right, walks out of Middlesex County jail with his attorney Steven Altman, in North Brunswick, N.J., Tuesday, June 19, 2012. Ravi, the former Rutgers University student who was convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man was released from jail Tuesday after serving 20 days of a 30-day sentence. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• This undated file photograph provided by Joseph and Jane Clementi shows their son Tyler Clementi at a family function. Opening arguments took place on Feb. 24, 2012 in the trial of a former Rutgers University student found guilty of using a webcam to spy on his roommate Clementi's intimate encounter with another man. (Clementi Family / AP)

• Dharun Ravi, Steve Altman

  Dharun Ravi, 20, right, walks out of Middlesex County jail with his attorney Steven Altman, in North Brunswick, N.J., Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The Indian-born former Rutgers University student who was convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man was released from jail Tuesday after serving 20 days of a 30-day sentence. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Dharun Ravi, Steve Altman

• Dharun Ravi

  Dharun Ravi, 20, walks out of Middlesex County jail in North Brunswick, N.J., Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The Indian-born former Rutgers University student who was convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man was released from jail Tuesday after serving 20 days of a 30-day sentence. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Dharun Ravi sits in court during his sentencing in New Brunswick, N.J., Monday, May 21, 2012. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student who used a webcam to watch his roommate kiss another man days before the roommate killed himself, was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail. A judge also gave 20-year-old Dharun Ravi three years of probation. (Mel Evans, AP)

• Dharun Ravi

  Dharun Ravi, 22, arrives at the Middlesex County sheriff's department in New Brunswick, N.J., Thursday, May 31, 2012. The former Rutgers University student convicted of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate reported to the sheriff on his way to jail. Ravi arrived at the sheriff's department shortly after 12:30 p.m. to be fingerprinted and photographed before being driven to the county jail to serve a 30-day term. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Dharun Ravi

  Dharun Ravi, 22, is photographed by the media as he arrives at the Middlesex County sheriff's department in New Brunswick, N.J., Thursday, May 31, 2012. The former Rutgers University student convicted of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate reported to the sheriff on his way to jail. Ravi arrived at the sheriff's department shortly after 12:30 p.m. to be fingerprinted and photographed before being driven to the county jail to serve a 30-day term. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• A Middlesex County Sheriff's Dept. van, reportedly transporting Dharun Ravi to jail, drives away from the sheriff's office in New Brunswick, N.J., Thursday, May 31, 2012. The former Rutgers University student convicted of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate turned himself in shortly after 12:30 p.m. to be fingerprinted and photographed before being driven to the county jail to serve a 30-day term. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Ravi Pazhani

  Ravi Pazhani, leaves the Middlesex County sheriff's department past officers and the media in New Brunswick, N.J., Thursday, May 31, 2012, after the arrival of his son, Dharun Ravi. The former Rutgers University student convicted of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate was to report to the sheriff on his way to jail. Ravi, 22, arrived at the sheriff's department shortly after 12:30 p.m. to be fingerprinted and photographed before being driven to the county jail to serve a 30-day term. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Philip Nettl, Dharun Ravi, Sabitha Ravi

• Dharun Ravi, center, listens to a court officer with his attorneys Philip Nettl, left, and Steve Altman, during his sentencing in New Brunswick, N.J., Monday, May 21, 2012. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student who used a webcam to watch his roommate kiss another man days before the roommate killed himself was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail. A judge also gave 20-year-old Dharun Ravi three years of probation. (Mel Evans, AP)

• Joseph Clementi,Jane Clementi

  Tyler Clementi's parents, Joseph Clementi and Jane Clementi, look on during a sentencing hearing for Dharun Ravi, in New Brunswick, N.J., Monday, May 21, 2012. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student who used a webcam to watch his roommate, Tyler Clementi, kiss another man days before Clementi killed himself, was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail. A judge also gave 20-year-old Dharun Ravi three years of probation. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• As fellow defense attorney Steve Altman, third left, listens, attorney Philip Nettl, left, speaks on behalf of Dharun Ravi, second left, as Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia McClure, second right, and Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn, right, listen during a sentencing hearing for Ravi in New Brunswick, N.J., Monday, May 21, 2012. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student who used a webcam to watch his roommate kiss another man days before the roommate killed himself, was sentenced Monday to 30 days in jail. A judge also gave 20-year-old Dharun Ravi three years of probation. (Mel Evans, AP)

• Dharun Ravi, center, is helped by his father, Ravi Pazhani, second right, as they leave court around in New Brunswick, N.J., Friday, March 16, 2012. Defense attorney Philip Nettl follows, second left. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate's love life has been convicted of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy. A jury found that he used a webcam to spy on roommate Tyler Clementi. Within days, Clementi realized he had been watched and jumped to his death from New York's George Washington Bridge in September 2010. (Mel Evans, AP)

• Several hundred supporters rally in front of the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, N.J., Monday, May 14, 2012, on behalf of Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man. The 20-year-old was convicted in March and faces up to 10 years in prison. The case garnered national attention because his roommate, Tyler Clementi, killed himself in September 2010, just days after the spying. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Jane Clementi hugs a family member following the verdict in the trial of Dharun Ravi, on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Middlesex Superior Court in New Brunswick, N.J. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate's love life has been convicted of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy. A jury found that he used a webcam to spy on roommate Tyler Clementi. Within days, Clementi realized he had been watched and jumped to his death from New York's George Washington Bridge in September 2010. (AP Photo/The Star-Ledger, Jerry McCrea, Pool)

• Renuka Desai, of Edison, N.J., holds a sign and a flag as she joins several hundred supporters at a rally in front of the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, N.J., Monday, May 14, 2012, on behalf of Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man. The 20-year-old was convicted in March and faces up to 10 years in prison. The case garnered national attention because his roommate, Tyler Clementi, killed himself in September 2010, just days after the spying. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Sabitha Ravi, center, talks outside the New Jersey Statehouse about her son, Dharun Ravi, in Trenton, N.J., Monday, May 14, 2012. Supporters rallied on behalf of Dharun, the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man. The case garnered national attention because his roommate, Tyler Clementi, killed himself in September 2010, just days after the spying. Ravi Pazhani, right, and Satish Mehtani, left, watch. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Nachhatar Singh, right, and Gill Harjit wait to join several hundred supporters outside the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, N.J., Monday, May 14, 2012, on behalf of Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of bias intimidation for using a webcam to see his roommate kissing another man. The case garnered national attention because his roommate, Tyler Clementi, killed himself in September 2010, just days after the spying. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

• Dharun Ravi, center, is helped by his father, Ravi Pazhani, right, as they leave court around noon in New Brunswick, N.J., Friday, March 16, 2012. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate's love life has been convicted of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy. A jury found that he used a webcam to spy on roommate Tyler Clementi. Within days, Clementi realized he had been watched and jumped to his death from New York's George Washington Bridge in September 2010. (Mel Evans, AP)

• Dharun Ravi, former Rutgers student found guilty of using a webcam to spy on his roommate's intimate encounter with another man, leaves Middlesex County Court on Dec. 9, 2011 in New Brunswick, N.J. Ravi rejected a plea deal that would have kept him out of prison and sought to prevent his deportation, accepting the gamble of a trial. Tyler Clementi, 18, committed suicide days after the alleged spying in September 2010. Ravi, 19, is not charged in connection with Clementi's death. (Noah K. Murray, AP)

• Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman talks to the jurors after their verdict in the trial of Dharun Ravi, on Friday, March 16, 2012 at the Middlesex Superior Court in New Brunswick, N.J. Ravi, a former Rutgers University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his gay roommate's love life has been convicted of bias intimidation and invasion of privacy. A jury found that he used a webcam to spy on roommate Tyler Clementi. Within days, Clementi realized he had been watched and jumped to his death from New York's George Washington Bridge in September 2010. (AP Photo/The Star-Ledger, Jerry McCrea, Pool)

• Dharun Ravi, former Rutgers University student listened to his attorney Steve Altman as he rejected a new plea offer at Middlesex County Court on Dec. 9, 2011 in New Brunswick, N.J. Ravi was found guilty of using a webcam to spy on his roommate, Tyler Clementi, during an intimate encounter with another man. Clementi, 18, committed suicide days after the alleged spying in September 2010. (Noah K. Murray, AP)

• In this May 6, 2011 photo, Molly Wei, the former Rutgers student charged with Dharun Ravi with invading the privacy of Tyler Clementi, looks at the prosecutors during her appearance before Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman at the Middlesex County Courthouse in New Brunswick, N.J. (Frank H. Conlon, AP)

• Jane Clementi, right, and her husband, Joseph Clementi, left, attend a symposium on use and misuse of social media at Rutgers University on Nov. 14, 2011, in Piscataway, N.J. Their son, Tyler Clementi, was in his first weeks as a student at Rutgers in September 2010 when he killed himself after a roommate used a webcam to spy on Clementi's intimate encounter with another man. The family has started a foundation in their son's honor to address cyberbullying. (Julio Cortez, AP)

• In this Dec. 9, 2011 photo, Jane Clementi looks at family photographs at her home in Ridgewood, N.J. Jane Clementi, the mother of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers student who killed himself after his roommate used a webcam to spy on his intimate encounter with another man, says that he had a lot on his mind just before he went to college. His mother says that in one conversation a few days before Tyler left for college he told her that he was gay, had doubts about his religious beliefs and was sad that he did not have close friends. (Mel Evans, AP)

• In this Oct. 1, 2010 photo, Rutgers University students sign condolence cards at Rutgers in New Brunswick, N.J., for the family of fellow student Tyler Clementi. Rutgers University has planned a silent vigil to remember Clementi, who committed suicide after his sexual encounter was secretly streamed online. (Mel Evans, AP)

• U. S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., speaks at a statewide town meeting in memory of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi on Oct. 6, 2010 at the Rutgers University Student Center in New Brunswick, N.J. (Bill Kostroun, AP)

• New Jersey Sen. Barbara Buono, D-Edison, stands with other lawmakers on Oct. 25, 2010, in Trenton, N.J., as she answers a question about a bill they introduced to toughen the state's anti-bullying laws after the widely publicized suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi. The bipartisan group of lawmakers touted the "anti-bullying bill of rights" targeting public schools and colleges. (Mel Evans, AP)

• In this Dec. 9, 2011 photo, Joseph Clementi looks at his wife, Jane Clementi, as they sit in Ridgewood, N.J. (Mel Evans, AP)

• People walk outside Davidson Hall "C" Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010, in Piscataway, N.J. The death of Tyler Clementi, 18, a Rutgers University freshman living in the dorm, has stirred outrage and remorse among classmates who said they wished they could have stopped the teen from jumping off a bridge after secret video of his sexual encounter with a man was streamed online. Clementi's roommate, Dharun Ravi, was found guilty of invading Clementi's privacy. (Mel Evans, AP)

• In this Dec. 9, 2011 photo, Jane Clementi answers a question as she sits with husband Joseph Clementi as they talk about their son Tyler, in their home in Ridgewood, N.J. The parents of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers student who killed himself after his roommate used a webcam to spy on his intimate encounter with another man, say that he had a lot on his mind just before he went to college. (Mel Evans, AP)

• In this Oct. 3, 2010 file photo, people participate in a candlelight vigil for Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi at Brower Commons on the Rutgers campus in New Brunswick, N.J. Clementi jumped off the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River on Sept. 22 after intimate images of him with another man in his dorm room were broadcast online. (Reena Rose Sibayan, AP)

• In this May 23, 2011 file photo, Joe Clementi, top left, and his wife, Jane, right, sit inside Judge Glenn Berman's courtroom at the Middlesex County Courthouse during a hearing for Dharun Ravi, in the webcam-spying case involving the suicide of their son Tyler Clementi, in New Brunswick, N.J. Joe and Jane Clementi said Friday, March 23, 2012, that a jury got it right last week by convicting their son's roommate, Ravi, of hate crimes and other offenses. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

• In a March 9, 2012 file photo, Dharun Ravi, the former Rutgers University student who was found guilty of hate crimes for using a webcam to view his roommate at Rutgers University kissing another man, waits before court proceedings in New Brunswick, N.J. In a legal filing Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Ravi's lawyers asked a judge to overturn the jury's conviction. They said the jury convicted Ravi in March despite evidence that he was not guilty of invading the privacy or intimidating roommate Tyler Clementi, who killed himself days after the webcam was used. (AP Photo/The Star-Ledger, John Munson, Pool, File)

• Dharun Ravi, Joseph Benedict

  FILE - In this May 30, 2012, file photo, Dharun Ravi, right, sits with his attorney Joseph Benedict during a hearing in New Brunswick, N.J. Ravi, the former Rutgers University student convicted of using his webcam to watch his roommate kiss another man, is due to be released from jail Tuesday, June 19 after serving 20 days of a 30 day sentence. Ravi reported to jail last month even though he could have remained free during an appeal of the case. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)

Comments

[Ron in NYC]

05:12 PM on 02/29/2012

One interesting tidbit I picked up from that dorky kid's testimony today (Wednesday) - he told Ravi he tried to watch the webcam view from Ravi's room but got an error message, to which Ravi responded, "Yeah, I'VE BEEN GETTING THAT A LOT!" Apparently, a LOT of other people tried to view Ravi's little telecast of Tyler and his friend, but they couldn't see anything this time because Tyler had seen Ravi's invitational tweet to all his friends and had unplugged Ravi's computer.

[Ron in NYC]

04:33 PM on 02/29/2012

Rutgers apparently will admit anyone with the money. These students testifying are brain-dead! This guy today (Wednesday) was cracking his knuckles throughout his testimony with "yeah" and 'no" answers. Whatever happened to "Yes sir" and "No sir"?

They're making Rutgers look like "School for Dummies".

[mother10]

01:33 AM on 03/02/2012

with parents that can PAY

[Jason N]

04:06 PM on 02/29/2012

To all those as falbergasted as I am by certain posters here continuing to defend the absolute indefensible, I present the problem:

"anothervoice2
Corporate Socialism is Welfare
1740 Fans Become a fan
2 hours ago ( 2:21 PM)
Genius, being a peeping tom is a misdemeanor. Not a crime. You and JoeMondo keep citing statutes and laws but seem to deliberately obscure the difference in the two."

THIS is the level of ignorance these people posses. They REALLY think that what Ravi did isn't a crime.

[Gonzo36]

05:12 PM on 02/29/2012

Hi doll! Just fyi: Level 4 MISDEMEANOR only comes with parole to up to 18 months in jail- up to the judge's discretion. They can't get him on level 3 because no video was made. So the only thing they can find him guilty of is level 4 which is, in fact, a misdemeanor. Well, that and the bias- but that is a huge stretch for someone who said time and time again he had no problem with the fact his roommate was gay and whom a lot of the prosecution's witnesses said he had no problems with gays. *kisses!

[Ron in NYC]

06:19 PM on 02/29/2012

Conviction that carries one year or more also carries a deportation along with it.

[Jason N]

11:16 AM on 03/01/2012

"They can't get him on level 3 because no video was made."

As has been explained to you multiple times (maybe you can relay this to the defense team that's paying you), NO VIDEO NEEDS TO BE PRODUCED. Get it that time, or do I need to post the text of the law for you again?

"that is a huge stretch for someone who said time and time again he had no problem with the fact his roommate was gay"

But I have lots of gay friends! Yeah, that excuse ain't flying, nor is any animus on his part even NEEDED to prove bias charges. Again, READ THE FREAKING LAWS!!!

[Ron in NYC]

05:17 PM on 02/29/2012

I guess they're not taking any law courses at Rutgers...probably majoring in something like lounge foosball. Regardless, they're giving Rutgers a black eye during this trial.

[ghenry]

12:10 PM on 02/29/2012

"overwhelmed", "very sad", "felt bad"? Are you kidding me? This is a script written by your lawyers -- make like you are sorry but don't let anything stick on you. Shame on you!.

[prairiemeadow]

10:19 AM on 02/29/2012

Her testimony is an attempt at false redemption. When entering the intervention program, her only motive was to make herself look good, and pretend she was a righteous person. Keep on lying until you actually believe what you are saying. She is more concerned with how others will continue to perceive her. She is trying to make sure she has no bad "marks" against her name that could interfere with her chosen plan in life. She is like a kid on the playground with her fingers crossed behind her back, pronouncing that "he made me do it."

[Brandon456]

12:46 AM on 02/29/2012

Intent is irrelevant here. If I unknowingly commit a crime without the intent of humiliating or hurting an individual, I have still committed a crime. I'm sure Ravi wasn't aware of the consequences of his actions. After all, it sounds like Ravi and co. were just out to have a good time, exploiting his roommate for their personal enjoyment.

Now what's relevant here is what Ravi is actually being charged for. According to the article:

"Ravi, 20, faces 15 criminal counts, including bias intimidation, invasion of privacy and several counts that accuse him of trying to cover his tracks. He is not charged in Clementi's death."

I'm sure I could find all 15 criminal counts, but let's address the ones here.

Bias intimidation: An excerpt from N.J. state law, "A person is guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts to commit, conspires with another to commit, or threatens the immediate commission of under circumstances that caused any victim of [the underlying crime/offense] to be intimidated and the victim, considering the manner in which the offense was committed, reasonably believed: "

Check.

[rwgunn]

12:15 PM on 02/29/2012

I still don't understand how a person can jump through some technical hoops to be able to remotely access their laptop computer and use the webcam; point the webcam specifically at another persons acknowledged personal area (his side of the dorm-room.);post to friends through a social website that they should join in the fun with him and then have a claim that there was no "intent".

[Brandon654]

03:50 PM on 02/29/2012

Absolutely. I wish the huffington post would have posted my other comment that I added to this last night. I expanded on the idea of intent, along the lines of what you are suggesting here.

[Ron in NYC]

09:48 PM on 02/29/2012

I can only equate it to weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists.

[Doomsdaydevice]

12:26 AM on 02/29/2012

A profligate person uses a video camera to invade his roommates privacy. Upon discovering what had occurred the victim decides to take his life. That's what happen.
Reading the comments there's dissonance for a few major reasons.
First, Atonement for the harm that was caused. The accusers have to take accountability for their actions so they can start giving the victims, his parents and the ones that loved him most the proper respect they deserve. And only when the victims parents decide when can the perpetrators even start to try and make atonement for their wrong doing. And even if its possible that they can the family doesn't have to forgive them.
Second, Empathy, specifically lack there off of the accused. If somehow Ravi believes that not be empathetic makes him look innocent. He is either not mature enough to realize the consequences of his actions. Never taught properly how to take responsibility for his actions. Or somehow feeling justified in his actions and need to expose homosexuality of college students in America. What is clear is that he has personal issues to deal with first before he can fully take in consideration the role he played in this incident.

[Doomsdaydevice]

12:22 AM on 02/29/2012

Third, Consideration and Reparations for the victims family. This has to be the worst nightmare for all parents who see their son/daughter go off to college. His parents where lead to believe that they were putting their son in a position where he would be safe. College is suppose to be a time of self exploration, curiosity and understanding. He didn't receive that here. He was being ostracized, his privacy invaded and made a mockery of for just being. I'm not up to date on what preventative measures have been taken by Rutgers University to at least do their best to affirm parents of incoming students that something similar won't ever happen again. Does anyone know?
Video cameras in a shared dorm room with two complete strangers living together seems like a recipe for disaster. How can the parents ever be repaid for their son who is never coming back? In my humble opinion it is my belief that they would like to see something like this not happen again ever to anybody. So my question is to what extent are measures being taken to help prevent the occurrence of this tragedy ever happening again?

[dumbinacut]

02:13 AM on 02/29/2012

how was he being ostracized when there is a big homosexual community at rutgers its not a big deal bias intimidation only if he was threatened that something were to happen to him because of his homosexuality we always look to pin something on someone in wake of tragedy but tha fact remains that he decided to take his own life soley because he was insecure in himself and that has nothing to do with the accused it may have been in poor taste for the accused to leave his webcam on but we dont know he intentionally did so to embarass his roommate im pretty sure he is fine with homosexuality many men in his culture experiment with other males growing up some even undergo sex changes and are accepted as women so to say its a bias or hate crime is irresponsible

[joemondo]

08:35 AM on 02/29/2012

If your knowledge of law is as excellent as your grammar, Ravi is doomed.

[rwgunn]

12:20 PM on 02/29/2012

dumbinacut,

You exhibit a very narrow world view: One that includes only your limited experiences and a few urban-myth type claims about a group of people whom you seem to write off because their experiences aren't the same as yours. Gaining some compassion will make you a better person. I hope you somehow find it.

[Ron in NYC]

06:26 PM on 02/29/2012

Most laptops come with a built-in webcam these days.

As for the Ravi family, couldn't happen to a nicer bunch. He apparently was the class clown in high school, so he should have been reeled in a long time ago, if the parents really cared, that is. Parents usually think their little darlings can do no wrong. Ravi's demeanor and that of his friends who have testified seem to suggest they think this is all a big joke and that Ravi will be acquitted. One photo shown in court makes Ravi look like he's doing a Groucho Marx routine.

[Doomsdaydevice]

08:17 PM on 02/29/2012

Yes that is true, it's also true these devices are widely available to anyone with enough money to afford them. Furthermore anyone with these devices can record, capture and share these images as long as they have the proper consent to do so. I think it's safe to say with the advent of affordable technology we've seen a great emergence of people recording, viewing, sharing public and private property with and without consent. So the fact of the matter is we all have the right to privacy or none of us at all do. It's disheartening when idiots with the capabilities to do so use these tools to either violate there own and more importantly other peoples basic human rights.
It's very unfortunate for the Ravi family to be be put on display to be analyzed, criticized and judged in a polarizing manner mainly because for actions of their idiot. son. I think they do care, because if my child was in similar situation and I let them hang to dry own their own, I think would say volumes about the families culture. They obviously have a better grasp on reality than their son, so I guess the apple had fallen and rolled away from the tree.

[edwardmusical]

10:51 PM on 02/28/2012

Ravi did nothing wrong. I hope the jury find this kid Dharun Ravi innocent.
All the news networks should take a poll there in New Brunswick NJ. Is Dharun Ravi a bully?

[joemondo]

11:17 PM on 02/28/2012

New Jersey Criminal Laws

2C:14-9. Invasion of Privacy, Degree of Crime, Defenses, Privileges.

1. a. An actor commits a crime of the fourth degree if, knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so, and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would know that another may expose intimate parts or may engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact, he observes another person without that person's consent and under circumstances in which a reasonable person would not expect to be observed.

[anothervoice2]

11:22 PM on 02/28/2012

Explain how two men embracing or kissing is "Sexual penetr tion or sexual contact". PG movies have scenes of kissing.

When he told Wei and other friends he was concerned about MB's age and appearance, how is it proven it was only to watch an "encounter"? IF that was the intent, why turn it off in 5 seconds? Sounds like they were surprised to even see the embrace.

[Ron in NYC]

06:26 PM on 02/29/2012

Not only is he a bully, he's a blithering idiot.

[reluctantWASP]

10:38 PM on 02/28/2012

She should be in a cell right next to Ravi.

[anothervoice2]

11:18 PM on 02/28/2012

What is the crime?

Nothing was broadcast or recorded.

They viewed 5 seconds of two men embracing. Kissing.
BTW that image is out there. NPH posed with his partner for a magazine cover. Perfectly fine pics.

[Jason N]

12:42 PM on 02/29/2012

"Nothing was broadcast"

Wei ADMITTED that she and Ravi showed the feed to others. That's BROADCASTING genius. You're a flat liar. How much are you being paid for this tripe?

"BTW that image is out there. NPH posed with his partner for a magazine cover."

My god you CAN NOT be this dumb? Or can you....

[Gonzo36]

10:31 PM on 02/28/2012

Question: If these two are allegedly 'responsible' for Tyler killing himself (as many on this thread believe), then are the bullies of that boy who killed the 3 kids in the school also responsible for those deaths?

[Melinda Brunner]

03:48 AM on 02/29/2012

Morally, yes.

[Ron in NYC]

03:20 PM on 02/29/2012

I think so, yes. However, I'm not suggesting Ravi was responsible for Clementi's death, although he may have contributed to Tyler's decision to take his own life because of his actions (invading his privacy and sharing it with others).

As for the shooting incident, they're trying to say the shootings were random, when student witnesses said he singled out a group at one particular table. The students he shot may have been bullying him.

[anothervoice2]

10:20 PM on 02/28/2012

FACT: All of the Prosecution's witnesses said Ravi was not anti-gay. The bias intimidation charge does not seem to apply.

FACT: Ravi first turned on the webcam when he saw MB's age and appearance. Wasn't sure if he would steal. After 5 seconds of seeing two men embracing, he shut it off. Timing goes to intent. If he did intend to be a voyeur, then he would have watched all of the encounter.

FACT: Ravi was not in the room when Wei turned it on the second time - for friends across the hallway. They again shut if off in 5 seconds.

FACT: Nothing was recorded or broadcast.

FACT: Ravi tweeted about a viewing party. But that never happened. We'll see if the Prosecution can prove he intended to follow through.

FACT: Tyler had other issues going on. He photographed several bridges, had visited that particular one with his mom. He felt his mom had not accepted his coming out. And the Prosecution is not blaming Ravi for causing him to jump.

[Brandon456]

02:16 AM on 02/29/2012

It is irrelevant that the prosecution's witnesses claim that Ravi was not anti-gay. The bias intimidation charge applies to a circumstance where the victim feels the action taken against him/her was intimidation as a consequence of a particular attribute (gender and sexual identity, etc). Bias intimidation, as defined by N.J. state law clearly specifies this.

I disagree with the statement that, "timing goes to intent." The line was already crossed and an intent made clear to exploit the privacy of Ravi's roommate. The intent lays in the will and desire to exploit something private and personal about Tyler, regardless of the amount of time the video was viewed. If there was no intent or motive, Ravi wouldn't have designed an opportunity for himself or others to view a private experience involving his roommate; an opportunity that was sought after simply because of Tyler's sexual identity

[anothervoice2]

10:36 AM on 02/29/2012

Bias intimidation? You may want to read yesterday's article:
"Ravi's defense lawyer, Steven Altman, asked a series of questions about Ravi's intentions.
— "Dharun never told you he wants you to go around telling everybody about what you saw on those two seconds Sunday night?"
— "Dharun never told you he wanted to make Tyler uncomfortable?"
— "Dharun never told you he wanted to intimidate Tyler?"
To each, she answered, "No."

[Brandon456]

02:23 AM on 02/29/2012

Nothing is required to be recorded or broadcasted to be an invasion of privacy, something that obviously took place here.

Interestingly enough, the very article you posted contradicts your statement. It appears, from the language of the article you posted, that Ravi fully intended to follow through with a viewing party. According to the article, Tyler turned off Ravi's computer, eliminating the possibility. No webcam, no party.

"Clementi later saw Ravi's tweet and agonized about what to do. In the meantime, he asked for the room again for another tryst, and this time Ravi tweeted that people should tap into his webcam for a show. But Clementi turned off Ravi's computer, and the viewing never happened."

I don't believe the prosecution should charge Ravi for causing him to jump.

[anothervoice2]

10:45 AM on 02/29/2012

Invasion of privacy requires intent. 5 seconds after being shocked does not appear to be intent. 

It requires an act. An attempt, all of 2 seconds, viewing an empty room (the second day) - according to that second witness who lied about her dinner date with Ravi. And then Clementi turned the cam off.

As reported in several news articles:
"
Ravi's lawyers have said in court documents there is no evidence Clementi was intimidated by Ravi's actions. He was open about his sexuality with friends and had come out to his parents, according to Clementi's chat transcripts.
After learning from Ravi's Twitter post he had been seen on the webcam, Clementi said in an online chat with a friend he felt "violated" at first, but soon after joked about the incident, saying he found it "sooo funny," and laughed when the friend suggested it could be considered a hate crime."

I am not excusing Ravi's immaturity. But not sure there was solely anti-gay motive driving it. Even Tyler didn't think so. Yes, the two men didn't become friends but that is not a crime. Why is the Prosecution pursuing the bias intimidation charge?  We'll see what evidence the Prosecution comes up with for the rest of the charges.

[Brandon456]

10:08 PM on 02/28/2012

Mollie isn't going to be held accountable for her participation? IMPOSSIBRU!!!!

[Gonzo36]

09:07 PM on 02/28/2012

Want to watch a few more video where people spy on others? All on Youtube. None were prosecuted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UabKqt8oRQU&feature=fvsr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbEofFCLKBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA9UjeFszUk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=By5ofvO84CM&feature=related (NSFW)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AVvsOsok4s&feature=related (NSFW)

No wonder Ravi and Wei and those other girls didn't think they were hurting Tyler- they are used to seeing this crap online.

[joemondo]

09:35 PM on 02/28/2012

"But officer, why did you pull me over? Other people speed all the time!"

[anothervoice2]

09:59 PM on 02/28/2012

"But Officer, why are you hauling me into Court for speeding when you don't with others? I can't pay a fine like others? I should go to jail? Why?"!!

[Gonzo36]

10:05 PM on 02/28/2012

You are missing my point. My point goes to intent. The intention wasn't to humiliate or hurt Tyler- it was just for kicks. Probably never occurred to them Tyler might get upset.

[onionboy]

10:33 PM on 02/28/2012

No offense, but I looked at every single one of these and didn't see an equivalent. I saw guy taping his own bedroom while a girl (with no expectation of privacy in a room not her own) tried to rip him off. I saw three videos of people carrying around cameras (no expectation of privacy when the photographer is standing right there. I saw a guy dancing alone but who didn't seem to care when someone walked back into the room (again, no expectation of privacy seemed apparent).

There's really no comparison to taping your room mate getting it on, thinking they're in privacy. Frankly, Ravi's lucky. He could have had me as a room mate. I would have beaten him until he tasted his own scrotum. Plenty of videos of that on YouTube too, but I doubt that defense would work for that either.

[Gonzo36]

11:04 PM on 02/28/2012

I wasn't trying to say they are the same. My point was there are tons of videos of college kids videotaping their roommates having sex- though the videos I found were of the very graphic noises. And in every single one they are laughing and having a fun time. It never occurs to any of them they might be violating their friend's privacy. The same goes here. But to say (as many on this thread have) that Ravi and Wei are morally depraved, evil, etc is silly when so many others do pretty much the same thing and nobody says 'boo' about it.

[CMR1188]

08:19 PM on 02/28/2012

Why did he not take the 600 hour community service plea deal? I think this displays his own arrogance in this situation. It guaranteed no jail time and now he faces 10 years. What kind of lawyer would allow him to do that?

[joemondo]

08:46 PM on 02/28/2012

Hard to know if its arrogance or fear of deportation.

The plea included assistance in his not being deported, but the DA could not guarantee that.

My impression is that Ravi is a little prince, deeply spoiled and not fully living in the real world with all its consequences. If that's the case, he and his parents both may be under some sort of illusion about how real the possibility of jail time is.

[onionboy]

10:35 PM on 02/28/2012

Lawyers can't force their clients to do anything. One possibility, is that he doesn't think he did anything wrong. I think that's a moronic opinion on his part, but I think it's fairly likely.

[Ron in NYC]

03:33 PM on 02/29/2012

The New Yorker article suggested that Ravi was a prankster who enjoyed having a laugh at others' expense. Well, it just so happens that invasion of privacy is against the law and that's why this slug is on trial. He needs to grow up. I hope he does that back in India or wherever he was born.