Repeat guys,,, he needs to at least speak to an Attorney. Statute of limitations can be like a marital prenup. There are some things that can stop it in some states.
And though he would likely win such an old case, (after great expense and heartache) the stakes are still sky high. Lets say for example,,, your DA is a guy like Mike Nifong. Lets say he/she starts an investigation,,,
The friend needs to clam up and at least talk to a lawyer in his state. It could be the best 200 bucks he ever spends.