A statutory rape charge is dismissed when the female victim , however , takes her own life . The 18-year - old former defendant says the sexual encounter was consensual . Michigan law does not allow only the victim 's family to bring a case . The body was discovered by her 12-year - old brother after she hanged herself .
A statutory rape case is dismissed when the alleged victim , 14 , takes her own life . The 18-year-old former defendant says the sexual encounter was consensual . Michigan law does not allow only the defendant 's testimony to prove a case . The girl was discovered by her 12-year-old brother after she hanged herself .