Charlotte, North Carolina Athlete Losses Criminal Appeal

The appeal of former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth was recently denied Tuesday, February 15, 2011. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the appeal via a three-judge panel. The Court's ruling focused on statements and notes of Cherica Adams, the victim and former girlfriend of Mr. Carruth. Ms. Adams was pregnant at the time of the incident, and she died several weeks after the incident in 1999.

Rae Carruth was convicted in Charlotte, NC of conspiracy to commit murder, discharging a firearm into occupied property, and using an instrument with intent to destroy an unborn child. He received a sentence of eighteen to twenty-four years in prison.

As a Charlotte, North Carolina criminal lawyer, I think this case is a unique and tragic scenario. It involves a high profile NFL athlete who, according to co-defendants, paid $6,000 to have Ms. Adams and her unborn child murdered. The child ultimately survived the attack. There was a lot of media scrutiny and public attention on the case due to Mr. Carruth's NFL career and the scandalous allegations. Ultimately, he was convicted. Regardless of exactly how you feel about the case, it proved to be a horrific scenario that touched the lives of many individuals.

ESPN.com, Rae Carruth's conviction upheld, 02/15/11