Police not yet able to question Wilmington rape victim in-depth

Two weeks after a woman was attacked in downtown Wilmington, she remains hospitalized, police said. Concern for her health has limited interviews between the 24-year-old victim and investigators who are searching for her attacker.

Capt. Marshall Williamson of the Wilmington Police Department said investigators have had preliminary interviews with the woman and are in close contact with her family. But her health has prevented in-depth interviews.

"We want to make sure that medically she's OK to talk with us," Williamson said Wednesday. "The main priority is for her to recover and carry on a normal life."

Meanwhile, Todd Byrd, a friend of the victim's family, said the woman's father told him on Wednesday that his daughter's condition is slowly improving.

She underwent another medical procedure on Monday, Byrd said.

The crime

On July 24, the woman was sexually assaulted and stabbed several times in a church courtyard at the intersection of Third and Market streets. Her injuries were serious enough to require surgery, police have said.

A passing driver stopped to help her after the attack, which occurred shortly after 1 a.m.

Outrage over the attack led a businessman this week to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Safety concerns led police to warn against walking alone late at night.

An e-mail has recently circulated alleging five to seven men were involved in the attack. But Williamson said nothing investigators have learned about the case substantiates that claim.

Investigators have followed up on the leads they have received, he said. They hope to have an in-depth interview with the victim once her health improves.

"It's understandable that people are upset about the situation," Williamson said of the attack, adding that investigators are pursuing the case. "We're in contact when we can be - when it's medically possible for us to talk to her."

Byrd said dozens of people from around the region have contributed to a fund set up to help pay for the woman's expenses. The fund, combined with a fishing tournament this past Saturday, has raised $3,000. Byrd said anyone who wants to help the victim may call the Triangle Lounge at 799-6253. Or send a check to Our Friend's Fund, P.O. Box 81, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

David Reynolds: 343-2075

dave.reynolds@starnewsonline.com