I don't think race and gender is important. All combinations are possible. Surely it can be either defense or offense and we don't know.
Discussion
If it's a black male, it raises a lot of questions that are not raised by it being a female.
Remember the charge may be a fake, tacked on charge, to try to reduce public sympathy.
Well, some scenarios are more probable but ultimately it doesn't matter. Due process should consider all possibilities. I support fair trial even for worst criminals.