NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- They never knew Dharun Ravi to say anything bad about gays. But they also never discussed it with him.
That was what seven character witnesses had to say Friday in the trial of Ravi, a former Rutgers University student accused of using a webcam to spy on his roommate's intimate encounter with another man.
Ravi, now 20, is accused of using a webcam for the central crime, then using Twitter, instant messages and texts to tell friends about it. He's charged with 15 criminal counts, including bias intimidation and invasion of privacy.
Analysts: Prosecutors' case strong in Rutgers trial
The seven men testified in a total of about one hour. Their brief appearances on the witness stand were a contrast to the prosecutor's case, in which nearly two dozen witnesses were called over 10 days.
Defense lawyers also said they intended to call two detectives to testify. One, Frank DiNinno, an investigator with the Middlesex County prosecutor's office, was mentioned often by prosecution witnesses.
A handful of the Rutgers students who testified referred to him as "Frank," and Ravi's lawyers appeared to be trying to raise the idea that he was too friendly with the students.
It's not known yet whether Ravi will testify, according to nj.com. Ravi is not charged in Clementi’s death but if convicted on the top bias charges, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Associated Press and msnbc.com staff contributed to this report.
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