Less than a week after Tila Tequila accused her boyfriend, San Diego Chargers' linebacker Shawne Merriman, of choking her, the San Diego District Attorney's office announced they closed the case due to insufficient evidence.
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"After a throrough review of the investigation into the Sept. 5, 2009 incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determine there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was commited," San Diego Country District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis said in a statement Friday. "This case is now closed. No further comment will be made."
The 27-year-old reality star (real name: Tila Nguyen), however, believes "justice has not been served" and plans to pursue civil charges.
"Tila Tequila is the victim of a violent crime," her rep said in a statement obtained by TMZ.com. "The San Diego District attorney's decision not to press charges against Shawne Merriman for the battering of Tila Tequila demonstrates an unconscionable negligence in the discharging of their public duties. We strongly feel that justice has not been served in this matter.
"Obviously, The San Diego Charger's NFL franchise brings millions of dollars in revenue to the city of San Diego, and it seems clear that other interests are being served by the DA's office than the upholding of the law. A young woman was violently beaten and choked, and the physical evidence is both overwhelming and disturbing. Tila's account of the events has remained consistent from the beginning, while Merriman's story has changed repeatedly.
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"Just because the DA has made this reckless decision doesn't mean that justice will not be served in this case. No one is above the law. Tila Tequila will immediately begin pursuing civil charges against Mr. Merriman and she will have her day in court."
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