Jury finds Terrence Shannon Jr. not guilty of rape

UPDATE:

A Douglas County jury has found Terrence Shannon Jr. not guilty of rape or sexual battery.

This is a breaking update. Our original story is below.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WAND) - Court is back in session for what is expected to be the final day of the Terrence Shannon Jr. trial.

The trial began Monday with jury selection, followed by two days of witness testimonies, and today, WAND is told the court will hear closing arguments before the jury reaches a verdict.

The former Illini basketball star was charged with rape in Kansas last December. His accuser said that he assaulted her in a bar after a football game in Lawrence on Sept. 8, 2023.

Shannon took the stand this morning maintaining his innocence. He has pleaded not guilty.

WAND spoke with one of Shannon's agents, Brandon Cavanaugh of KLUTCH Sports Group, who said the plan was always to have him take the stand and wanted a trial so that he could fully clear his name.

While on the stand, Shannon was questioned thoroughly about the events of Sept. 8. He confirmed he was at the Jayhawk Cafe the night of the alleged assault. Shannon said that after going to the UI-KU football game, he had briefly stopped by a KU basketball player's apartment before heading to the bar.

Shannon claimed he never waved the victim over; he never pulled her closer to him, slipped a hand under her skirt, or assaulted her. Shannon said the first time he saw the victim was in the preliminary hearing about a month ago.

When asked about how much he had to drink that night, Shannon told the courtroom he wasn't drunk enough not to remember the night and that he had about four drinks and a couple of shots. He stated he had left the bar around closing time at 2 a.m.

It wasn't until a few days later that Shannon's coaches notified him of the allegations, and he got a lawyer.

Shannon shared on the stand that he has a family member who had been a victim of rape previously.

He also noted that he had previously won a lawsuit to keep playing after being suspended by the University of Illinois. Prosecutors argued that the the UI investigation was not a criminal trial, and that the school has different standards in their investigations.

During the cross-examination of Shannon, prosecutors questioned him about his multiple NIL deals, receiving free Nike merchandise through the school, and driving to Kansas in a brand new BMW.

Prior to Shannon taking the stand, the court heard testimony from the last defense witness, Tim Anderson, a U of I assistant coach.

Anderson told the courtroom he first met Shannon when was in the 8th grade, and he had recruited him to DePaul and to Illinois. Anderson became emotional on the stand when describing Shannon as shy, humble and quite off the court.

The defense rested its case.

During final statements the prosecution argued the case was that of a typical college student v.s. an atypical student-athlete. All the victim wanted was just a fun night out with friends. They also reminded the jury that Shannon has NIL deals, free clothes, and a new car, and stated "When Shannon wants something, he gets it."

Meanwhile the defense called the allegations a "blind accusation." They noted that if Shannon's DNA existed on the victim, it would have been found. And called out Detective Leitner for being negligent by not taking photos of the crime scene because quote " he already knew the layout."

The defense also pointed out the victim and her roommates group chat usage of emoji's after learning Shannon was suspended from the team, and questioned why the victim went back to the same bar the next night.

Closing took place during the afternoon session and the jury went into deliberation.

WAND's Ben Machi is in the courtroom providing updates as the trial proceeds. Keep checking WANDTV.com for updates and information when the jury reaches a verdict.