The parents of one of the accused Maryville rapists, Matthew Barnett, 19, are speaking out about the unfair pain and suffering endured by their son in light of the one-sided rape accusations.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Wednesday, Shirley Barnett told a reporter that although her son is struggling, the truth will come out: 'The more you dig, you will get closer to the truth. It is not on the surface, youre going to have to dig for it. Unfortunately we cant help with that because that is not our personality.
But their non-digging personality does allow them to defend their sons innocence because, apparently, rapists can't suck at football. According to Barnetts father, My kid is being assassinated. The way this has all been spun, for example my son being a football star, he was not a football star, he was a back up. Case closed.
Mrs. Barnett also thinks Melinda Coleman, Daisy Colemans mother, is making it seem as if the "whole thing" is "one-sided."
And when asked how their son, who is now at the University of Missouri, was coping, Mr Barnett said he was "facing some major issues."
His wife added added: 'Is Matthew OK? How can you go through this and be OK, you cant go through this experience and be OK.
'You cant have your picture plastered all over the world news and be portrayed as something when you know in your heart what happened and be OK. How can anybody in our family be OK over this?'
A Northwest Missouri circuit court judge appointed Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on Monday to head up the new investigation the alleged Maryville rape case. At a news conference Monday afternoon, Baker addressed concerns that the alleged rapists have been given special treatment because of family political connections.
I know this case has raised a variety of concerns. So please know this: This case will be thoroughly reviewed. Our review will be without fear and without fail," Baker said at the news conference. "I can also assure you that politics, connections will not play a role in our review in this case."
This announcement comes in the midst of increased attention to the case in Maryville. Daisy Coleman, the young girl at the center of the rape media storm, published a first-person account of her rape for XO Jane on Friday. And her mother, Melinda Coleman, published an open letter Monday asking that those involved in Tuesday's Anonymous rally for Daisy act respectfully and peacefully:
We would just like everyone to know that Maryville is NOT a terrible town. We love so many people there and really were happy there until 1-9-12. Some families there are truly great friends!!! The school was incredible and tried so hard to protect my children.....above and beyond the call of duty.
When asked by CNNs Jake Tapper Monday if she would be attending Tuesdays rally, Daisy told Tapper no. We were pondering it, but it sounds almost as if it wouldn't be safe for us to go just because of all the people in Maryville being very angry with the case right now, Daisy said. But we are thinking about it, and we are very thankful for all the people attending."
I'm a little late because of the new day gig but here are some updates for ya:
So basically it seems like the sheriff is not being honest about why they wouldn't prosecute blaming the victims of all things
That's the second victim coming out and telling all about that fateful night.
Now he says the case will be reopened after the victims "apparently" want to testify which seems like a weird thing for him to just now be figuring out.
AND THIS just pisses me off, here is the rapist mom defending him saying he is being unfairly targeted. Boo freaking woo
![]()
Looks like this is all coming to a head now, great to see these punks look like they will be held accountable for their actions
And social media wins again.![]()
"I can also assure you that politics, connections will not play a role in our review in this case."
Because that totally didn't happen last time. No sireebob.