(Original Post 3-14-10) A 15 year old boy was sentenced to 15 life terms Wednesday, March 10 for raping and kidnapping two Apollo Beach restaraunt workers. Jose Walle, 13 when he attacked the woman, entered a blind plea to 19 felony counts last month.
The women were abducted from the Apollo Beach restaurant Aug. 15, 2008, held for several hours and repeatedly sexually assaulted before being dumped along Interstate 75. One said Walle got in the back seat of her truck, pointed a gun at her and raped her.
One of the victims said in her impact statement, "There was no doubt in my mind that he would kill us. He chose to rob us. He chose to abduct us. He was the one who raped me." The other victim said that "I think he should be shown the same mercy he showed us - none."
Walle's parents, friends, soccer coach and attorney, as well as a psychiatrist hired by the defense, portrayed him as a youth soccer star who got caught up in drugs and came under the sway of bad influences - co-defendants Rigoberto Martinez, 22, and Vincente Reyes-Carbajal, 21, who are awaiting trial.
Walle's explanation of his attack on the women was "I was angry. I was on drugs."
But Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters said Walle laughed and smiled his way through a presentence interview with a state corrections official. Walle told the official, "I'm a nice guy, but if you mess with me I have no problems killing you," Peters quoted from the report.
Hillsborough Circuit Judge Chet Tharpe used those statements to justify his 15 life sentences. This is one of the most disturbing cases I have ever come across...If he is not stopped, he is going to do it again. And, quite frankly, I'm not willing to take that chance. It is my intention that you never ever walk the streets of our community again as a free man. He's going to kill; it's just a matter of time."
Walle's life sentences will be served concurrently to one another and consexutively with a 27 year sentence handed down for the rape of a third woman. Two other Florida youths have been jailed for life without parole terms for non-murder crimes committed at 13.
(Update 5-21-11) After a 2010 US Supreme Court ruling stating that juveniles cannot be sentenced to life without parole for crimes other than murder, Judge Tharpe resentenced Walle to 65 years imprisonment on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Judge Tharpe said at Walle's second sentencing, "Jose Walle knew the difference between right and wrong. He has forfeited his right to live in a free society."
After listening to both sides re-present arguments made during the first sentencing, Judge Tharpe said to the defense, "Let me start out by saying, what's wrong with this picture? Shouldn't our focus be first and foremost on the welfare of the victims? Is it not cruel and unusual punishment for the victims to have endured the rage, the brutality, the terror that your client exacted upon them? What about the fact that these ladies have to live the rest of their lives worrying about whether or not they will become a victim again of another person like Jose Walle …Isn't that cruel and unusual punishment?"
Tharpe also gave the opinon that the juvenile justice system does not give enough accountability to youths convicted of serious crimes and that "grave crimes bring grave sentences.""Why don't we focus our money and our resources and our time on fixing the problems as opposed to trying to coddle a Jose Walle?"
Showing posts with label robbery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robbery. Show all posts
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Former high school basketball star given 84 to 230 years in home invasion rapes
On March 10, 2011, a former basketball player was sentenced to 84-230 years imprisonment for two Philadelphia assaults. 25 year old Domenique Wilson was handed the term by Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Charles J. Cunningham III, who said he handed down the sentence to ensure "there is never a day when he is out."
Judge Cunningham continued, "This was not the case of someone who broke in an apartment and happened to find somebody there. You are a serial rapist, a serial criminal. You just got caught sooner rather than later." Wilson was convicted by a jury in November of rape, burglary, and robbery in the Philly attacks.
Wilson forced his way into an apartment on Oct. 22, 2008, on Clinton Street in Center City. He then raped and robbed a 25-year-old woman at knifepoint, and tied up, robbed, and assaulted her 29-year-old boyfriend.
Wilson was also found guilty of forcing his way into a Spruce Street apartment Dec. 19, 2008. The 24- and 22-year-old University of Pennsylvania female students testified that Wilson threatened them with a gun and knife, covered their eyes, mouths, and wrists with duct tape, and repeatedly raped one.
Both rape victims gave an impact statement, read in court. The first victim's statement said, "In one selfish, disgusting act, you destroyed every part of my life. You attacked me repeatedly in my own bedroom. I no longer have a safe place to call my own - not a single one. My fear is practically constant...With how heartless you seem to be, I don't know if you have the capacity to feel sorry for what you did. But I trust you'll have a long time ahead to think about it."
The Spruce Street victim said, "I want to say 'thank you' for all of the wonderful things I have been blessed with from this horrible act," including a closer relationship with the roommate who had to hear the rape, and a friendship with the other victims.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Suburban St. Louis police officer sentenced to 25 years for forcing women into sex acts
A former Uplands Park, MO police officer was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for raping and robbing prostitutes. One attack occurred at his own police station. 32 year old Leon Pullen of Foley, MO was sentenced in a St. Louis federal court Friday, January 28 to the 300 month sentence after pleading guilty to nine federal felonies.
These felonies included conspiracy, deprivation of civil rights, witness tampering, and lying to the FBI. Federal prosecutors dropped ten other charges after Pullen pled guilty July 28, 2010. Pullen faced a sentence of 18 1/2 to 25 years of federal confinement.
These felonies included conspiracy, deprivation of civil rights, witness tampering, and lying to the FBI. Federal prosecutors dropped ten other charges after Pullen pled guilty July 28, 2010. Pullen faced a sentence of 18 1/2 to 25 years of federal confinement.
Pullen's MO was to respond to online escort ads, then after the women responded, he would identify himself as a police officer, pull out his gun, then force the victims to perform sex acts on him. Two of the victims were forced into sex at gunpoint. Pullen was arrested by the FBI on Saturday, September 19, 2009.
The affidavit goes on to say that Pullen called the woman, said his name was "Jimmy," and agreed to pay $400 for a sexual act and that he had her and another woman meet him in Uplands Park on July 15, 2009.
At the meeting, the affidavit said, Pullen rubbed himself against one woman and told her that she had two choices: to give him all her money or get naked, LaCombe wrote. Another officer was present, [FBI special agent Greg]LaCombe wrote, but that officer is not named in the complaint.
Pullen then ordered her and the other woman back in their car and told them to follow him to the police station, where he took the victim to an office in the rear of the station, forced her to undress and then forcibly performed oral sex on her.
The woman, afraid that Pullen would call in the other officer to have sex with her, tried to end the attack by offering to meet Pullen later, LaCombe wrote. Pullen gave her his contact information, and then she left, later calling the FBI.
The victim of that encounter, identified as D.S., gave a victim impact statement and said the sexual assault left her with PTSD and a back injury. "I've always considered myself a very strong woman until that day," she said. The attack had also affected her ability to parent her four children.
Judge Rodney Sippel gave Pullen the 25 year sentence, stating "[People] trust law enforcement to make sure they're safe," Sippel said. "For law enforcement to turn on them and take from them that sense of safety . . . it's hard to comprehend." Pullen was also ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution, with the exact amount being disputed.
Teenage rapist sentenced to 75 to life for attack on woman
Madden-Vaughn, who turned 18 the day before Halloween last year, faces charges of fondling a 12 year old girl on a playground January 19, 2009 and hitting a 68 year old woman with a brick. Chief Deputy DA Joseph Morales and Deputy District Attorney P.J. Loew prosecuted the case.
Oklahoma City serial rapist gets 5 life without parole terms
Judge Kenneth Watson on Friday, January 28, 2011. Stepney's guilty plea to the charges did not help him one iota at sentencing.
The judge was told he attacked the first rape victim as she slept in her apartment Nov. 17, 2008. Next, he attacked a woman walking home from work late Dec. 7, 2008.
His third victim was the woman who was doing Christmas shopping the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2008, at Penn Square Mall. His fourth victim was attacked Jan. 5, 2009, as she was doing laundry at her apartment complex.
The fifth victim was attacked on Jan. 7, 2009, as she was vacuuming her car at a car wash. She told police the rapist said, “Maybe next time your husband will come wash your car.” Stepney was arrested the next day.
Stepney forced two victims to let him withdraw cash at ATMs from their bank accounts, according to the police reports and court records. In his attacks, he threatened the women with a BB gun that looked like a real handgun, prosecutors said.
The third victim read an impact statement to the court. “Things are still not back to my ‘normal.' I do not ever sleep well. I hear every little noise and I am jolted awake multiple times every night. Every time I have to walk to my car alone I have such pain and tightness in my chest is it almost unbearable.”
According to police reports, when Stephney saw his victim was looking away, he said “What are you doing not paying attention?" The victim said when she did look at him, he said “Don't look at me. Do you want a .45 bullet to your head?”
Judge Watson said that if the victim had been his daughter, “I wonder if I could let the penitentiary take care of it rather than taking care of it myself.”
As for Stepney, he made no statement during sentencing, but in a pre sentence report he said "I made some bad decisions. I have wrecked lives including my own. I have always had a problem with pornography.”
He also said he was using drugs when “my crimes happened.” He said, “The drugs make you feel like you must have everything you want. They take over you. … All I can really ask for is to be forgiven.”
Stepney's bad decisions have exacted a heavy price on his life and the lives of his victims. Forgiveness will not come from the people of Oklahoma, but perhaps, one day, may come from God .
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Queens rapist gets 37 to 42 years imprisonment for attacking student during first day on job
A Queens, NY rapist was sentenced to a prison term of 37 to 42 years Thursday, September 23. 23 year old James Gillespie was convicted September 3 of the July 2009 rape of a 20 year old St. John's University student in Fresh Meadows, NY. The victim was walking to her first day at work as a part time restaurant hostess when Gillespie pounced.
As Gillespie dragged the woman into an alley, she reached into her purse and called 911 and her pleas for mercy – which Gillespie ignored – were recorded and played back in court during Gillespie’s trial.
"Please don't do this to me- Oh, my God, sir, please!" she pleaded just before the rape. Of course, Gillespie violated her. He also took her cell phone and purse.
Assistant Queens DA Jared Rosenblatt asked for the maximum sentence.
"You are an animal," Rosenblatt said over the objections of Gillespie's lawyer. "You are evil and your actions were heinous."
Gillespie offered a rambling denial."I don't even know why I'm still standing here in this courtroom," he said. "I don't understand what's going on here."
At the sentencing, which the victim attended, her statement to her attacker was this. "You are less than a man. Luckily, I'm a strong individual...I must let you know you are weak. You are a coward. You do not deserve to walk the streets as you are."
Queens Supreme Court Richard Buchter sentenced Gillespie to the max for rape, criminal sex act, and robbery.
"I think Mr. Gillespie is seriously lacking in any humanity.The defendant’s only concern us his own perverse sexual satisfaction. He’s young and that what worries me. He shouldn’t get out while he can still do it again."
Queens DA Richard Brown said about the woman's testimony, "She testified with dignity and grace. Hopefully, knowing that he will now be behind bars for a long time will provide her with a small measure of help in overcoming the physical and psychological trauma." That trauma includes sleepless nights, fear of AIDS, and a reluctance to walk alone.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Hialeah, FL armed robber gets 30 years for robbery, rape, kidnapping
The crimes Salas plead guilty to involved:
Tying up and robbing a 73-year-old Miami woman in a September 2007 robbery that police said was a case of mistaken identity. Through forensic science, again, a fingerprint found on a piece of Scotch tape doomed Salas.
Kidnapping a Miami-Dade pawn shop owner in August 2008, holding him hostage for nine hours. Salas was nailed when his DNA was found on a beer bottle he drank from inside the victim's home.
Taking a Hialeah mother hostage in May 2008, shooting her with a stun gun and sexually assaulting her. It was that final act that broke the case: Saliva swabbed off the victim's chest matched Salas' DNA.
Salas was set to go to trial on the attack on the 73 year old woman, and was facing 21 life sentences in all, but plead after prosecutors filed the rape case. The attack on the woman occured after Salas and other robbers mistook her home for a Cuban human trafficer's. The rape case started out as a kidnapping and robbery, where Salas and his gang tied up the mother and her daughter while ransacking their home looking for electronics and jewerly. The rape occured after Salas asked the mother for a kiss and licked her body. The pawn show owner was beaten for hours while the robbers tried to get him to hand over his secuirty codes. Police caught Salas after noticing his SUV outside the pawn shop.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Jackson Park rapist sentenced to 40 years for attacks
A convicted Chicago felon was held without bail for allegedly robbing and raping or fondling people at gunpoint who were visiting Jackson Park’s Osaka Japanese Garden. The rapes and robberies took place between June 24 and August 18. Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney George Canellis stated that the suspect, 40 year old Richard Martin often claimed he was robbed before robbing the victims of taking their cell phones, cash, and wallets. He accused some victims of robbing him before some attacks.
In all four attacks, women were either fondled or raped, according to Canellis. Once, Martin told a woman while fondling her that "she must keep money everywhere."
During an attack on Aug. 8, a woman ran to nearby bushes as her male friends, ages 26 and 17, gave Martin a cell phone, $250, a bank card and an ID, Canellis said. He then demanded to know where the woman, 25, went and used a flashlight to locate her. When he found her, he fondled her, Canellis said.
When Martin raped a 23-year-old woman in the June 24 incident, her frightened male friend jumped into a nearby lagoon, Canellis said. This distracted Martin assaulted the woman as she tried to retrieve her wallet, Canellis said. At that point, he told the woman, he “just wanted money anyway,” Canellis said.
Martin’s latest victims were a 50-year-old female and a 52-year-old male who had been walking over a bridge near a lagoon at the Osaka Japanese Garden, prosecutors sid.
Late Tuesday [August 18], he allegedly ordered the two to lie on the ground. Martin went through both victims’ pockets before raping the crying woman, Canellis said. He placed a gun at the woman’s throat when he assaulted her, Canellis said.
Jackson Park is located 7 miles to the south of downtown Chicago on Chicago's lakefront. It is close to the Hyde Park and South Shore neighborhoods.
(Update 8-6-10) Martin pleaded guilty yesterday in Cook County Circuit Court to 5 felonies - 3 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Martin was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment, and will be required to serve 85%, or 34 years, before release.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Peoria, IL serial offender sentenced to life for rape and burglary of woman's home
Malone used a key he obtained from the victim's Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor and broke into her apartment. He tied her up, forced her to drink a concoction of drugs and alcohol and then sexually assaulted her. Prosecutor Donna Cruz told the judge that it was "abundantly clear" that Malone was a danger to women and children, noting the several prior convictions for domestic or sexual-related charges over the years. Cruz also keyed into the drug-alcohol mixture, noting that at one point, the victim's breathing had slowed so greatly that she was rushed into a trauma room at the hospital.
Illinois has a three strikes law for Class X felonies, which include aggravated criminal sexual assault among other crimes. One of his previous crimes included the sexual abuse of a girl he had met in church, and Malone had previous domestic and sexual violence convictions.
While the victim and police detectives who worked on the case were in Peoria County Circuit Judge James Shadid's courtroom for the sentencing, Malone was in his cell, participating in the proceedings through a videolink which was set up when he refused to leave his Peoria County Jail cell.
Malone refused to leave his cell and threatened to sue if he was forced to attend his sentencing hearing, so Peoria County Circuit Judge James Shadid used the courtroom's video-conferencing monitor, usually used for video arraignment or bonding court, to have Malone participate.
He could be seen sitting in a wheelchair with his head in a large garbage can. Malone's reason for not wanting to leave was that he was sick. Throughout the half-hour session, Malone could be heard spitting in the can. Throughout the case, Malone has been difficult, at times refusing to participate in hearings and remaining slumped over in a wheelchair as if he had no idea what was going on.
Malone protested to the court, "I didn't do this, I have never done anything like this. And now you are throwing me out like a piece of garbage. I am going to pray for you. I am going to pray for all of you..Just do what you are going to do so I can get back. I am sick." Shadid said after Malone yelled at him, "That's right, you are sick..You're a predator who found fresh prey."
His "girlfriend," 23 year old Sorrel Blomley of Chalk River, BC, was sentenced to 10 years for burglary in a plea deal which required her to testify against Malone. Malone's life sentence is consecutive to the Knox County molestation charge, and will be followed by 30 years imprisonment for home invasion, failure to register as a sex offender and aggravated robbery.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Murderer, armed robber, sentenced to a decade for rape of Youngstown woman
A murderer serving 55 years to life for the rape-slaying of 19 year old Sierra Slayton in August 2005 was sentenced on November 30 to an additional prison term for the rape of another woman in Youngstown, OH. Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge John M. Durkin sentenced 26 year old Antwon Lanier to an additional 10 years in prison for one count of rape and one count of intimidation of a victim. Lanier plead guilty to those counts to avoid trial on those counts and charges of kidnapping, aggravated robbery.
The rape and intimidation conviction stems from a 2005 incident where Lanier assaulted a Warren woman in the front yard of a home not far from a Youngstown South Side bar.
The rape victim told police she was forced out of Teenie’s Tavern on South Avenue at gunpoint and raped in the front yard of a house with high bushes near Taft Elementary School on East Avondale Avenue.
Police checked the area around Taft and found a house with high bushes on East Avondale at the corner of Homestead Street. A used condom and its wrapper were found in the front yard near bushes and taken as evidence.
The woman, when interviewed by police, said she’d gone to the bar with a female friend. She said they were approached by two men, one later identified as Lanier. The female friend had asked to see Lanier’s license because she didn’t believe he was old enough to drink. She remembered the birth date — May 6, 1983 — from the license.
After the exchange, when the victim went to the restroom, Lanier followed her, pulled out a handgun and said “Don’t talk, scream or cry or I’ll kill you and your friend.” He ordered the victim out of the bar and down East Avondale, and after another threat, raped her in front of the house. Lanier then damanded the victim's money. The victim gvae him only $6. Lanier looked at her ID and threatened to kill her if she reported the attack.
Besides the Sierra Slaton slaying, Lanier was sentenced to 21 years for armed robbery and assault. Ohio prison sentences are served without benefit of parole or other early release.
The rape and intimidation conviction stems from a 2005 incident where Lanier assaulted a Warren woman in the front yard of a home not far from a Youngstown South Side bar.
The rape victim told police she was forced out of Teenie’s Tavern on South Avenue at gunpoint and raped in the front yard of a house with high bushes near Taft Elementary School on East Avondale Avenue.
Police checked the area around Taft and found a house with high bushes on East Avondale at the corner of Homestead Street. A used condom and its wrapper were found in the front yard near bushes and taken as evidence.
The woman, when interviewed by police, said she’d gone to the bar with a female friend. She said they were approached by two men, one later identified as Lanier. The female friend had asked to see Lanier’s license because she didn’t believe he was old enough to drink. She remembered the birth date — May 6, 1983 — from the license.
After the exchange, when the victim went to the restroom, Lanier followed her, pulled out a handgun and said “Don’t talk, scream or cry or I’ll kill you and your friend.” He ordered the victim out of the bar and down East Avondale, and after another threat, raped her in front of the house. Lanier then damanded the victim's money. The victim gvae him only $6. Lanier looked at her ID and threatened to kill her if she reported the attack.
Besides the Sierra Slaton slaying, Lanier was sentenced to 21 years for armed robbery and assault. Ohio prison sentences are served without benefit of parole or other early release.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
First two Dunbar Village rapists found guilty
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - Separate Palm Beach County juries have convicted two men in the gang rape and assault of a mother and her son during a home invasion two years ago.
The first jury deliberated 5 1/2 hours Friday before convicting 20-year-old Tommy Poindexter of rape, kidnapping, assault and burglary. He faces multiple life terms. A second jury returned less than two hours later, convicting 18-year-old Nathan Walker of similar charges.
The two were tried together but with separate juries. A third defendant, 16-year-old Avion Lawson, pleaded guilty and testified against Poindexter and Walker. A fourth defendant, 17-year-old Jakaris Taylor, is set for trial next month. Authorities say they identified the defendants with fingerprints and DNA. They are still seeking additional suspects.
The defendants made limited admissions to the attack, but also tried to deflect blame. Lawson claims he raped the woman once, then left soon after. Poindexter's attorney says her client raped the woman, but didn't participate in any other crimes. Walker's attorney hasn't acknowledged any guilt.
Authorities say fingerprints and DNA found on clothing and condoms inside the apartment identified the defendants. They are still seeking additional suspects.
The prosecutor told jurors that it doesn't matter how many of the crimes each defendant actually participated in — they are all equally responsible for the entire episode. Defense attorneys had argued the juries don't have to find guilt on all counts just because the suspects may have committed some of the crimes.
Earlier in the week, the female victim described for jurors the terrifying night of June 18, 2007, in her public housing complex apartment a few miles from downtown West Palm Beach.
She recounted how she prayed for her life and cried in pain as she was repeatedly raped and her son beaten by 10 masked, gun-toting teens. Then she testified about being forced to perform oral sex on her son. The victims were then doused with chemicals in an attempt to clean the crime scene.
Throughout the attack, the suspects demanded money, but she had none. The victims had fled even worse poverty in their native Haiti several years earlier, landing in the crime-plagued Dunbar Village housing complex where the attack occurred.
The first jury deliberated 5 1/2 hours Friday before convicting 20-year-old Tommy Poindexter of rape, kidnapping, assault and burglary. He faces multiple life terms. A second jury returned less than two hours later, convicting 18-year-old Nathan Walker of similar charges.
The two were tried together but with separate juries. A third defendant, 16-year-old Avion Lawson, pleaded guilty and testified against Poindexter and Walker. A fourth defendant, 17-year-old Jakaris Taylor, is set for trial next month. Authorities say they identified the defendants with fingerprints and DNA. They are still seeking additional suspects.
The defendants made limited admissions to the attack, but also tried to deflect blame. Lawson claims he raped the woman once, then left soon after. Poindexter's attorney says her client raped the woman, but didn't participate in any other crimes. Walker's attorney hasn't acknowledged any guilt.
Authorities say fingerprints and DNA found on clothing and condoms inside the apartment identified the defendants. They are still seeking additional suspects.
The prosecutor told jurors that it doesn't matter how many of the crimes each defendant actually participated in — they are all equally responsible for the entire episode. Defense attorneys had argued the juries don't have to find guilt on all counts just because the suspects may have committed some of the crimes.
Earlier in the week, the female victim described for jurors the terrifying night of June 18, 2007, in her public housing complex apartment a few miles from downtown West Palm Beach.
She recounted how she prayed for her life and cried in pain as she was repeatedly raped and her son beaten by 10 masked, gun-toting teens. Then she testified about being forced to perform oral sex on her son. The victims were then doused with chemicals in an attempt to clean the crime scene.
Throughout the attack, the suspects demanded money, but she had none. The victims had fled even worse poverty in their native Haiti several years earlier, landing in the crime-plagued Dunbar Village housing complex where the attack occurred.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Illegal immigrant sentenced to 32 years for rape of woman in Amtrak station
Lasalle County, IL Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr sentenced an illegal immigrant to 32 years in prison for the attack on a 67 year old Dixon, IL woman at the Mendota, IL Amtrak station. Emerson A. Hernandez-Reyes, 27, of Peru, was sentenced to consecutive 14 year terms for 2 counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault, and 4 years for robbery, for stealing the victim's cellphone. The aggravated criminal sexual assault charges require 85% time served, but the robbery charge require only 50% time served. Hernandez-Reyes will be 52 before being released from the Illinois Department Of Corrections.
He was charged March 30 after the Dixon woman reported she’d been sexually assaulted in the women’s room. Hernandez-Reyes, she said, had entered the restroom and advised her he wanted sex. She told police she did not know her assailant, who then punched her in the head, grabbed her by the neck and committed two forcible sex acts after she refused.
The victim was soon found by an unidentified motorist who stopped a Mendota police squad car and reported the crime. A short time later, armed with a cursory description of the man, La Salle County sheriff's deputies spotted the 6 foot-tall, 200-pound Hernandez walking south on Route 251 near North 39th Road and took him into custody.
Prosecutors said Friday that Hernandez-Reyes confessed to the crime. A DNA match between victim and assailant further corroborated the sexual assault.Public defender Tim Cappellini declined to comment on Friday’s disposition.
Theoretically, Hernandez-Reyes is scheduled for decades of mandatory supervised release, but more likely, he'll be deported, as he had an immigration hold even before the rape.
He was charged March 30 after the Dixon woman reported she’d been sexually assaulted in the women’s room. Hernandez-Reyes, she said, had entered the restroom and advised her he wanted sex. She told police she did not know her assailant, who then punched her in the head, grabbed her by the neck and committed two forcible sex acts after she refused.
The victim was soon found by an unidentified motorist who stopped a Mendota police squad car and reported the crime. A short time later, armed with a cursory description of the man, La Salle County sheriff's deputies spotted the 6 foot-tall, 200-pound Hernandez walking south on Route 251 near North 39th Road and took him into custody.
Prosecutors said Friday that Hernandez-Reyes confessed to the crime. A DNA match between victim and assailant further corroborated the sexual assault.Public defender Tim Cappellini declined to comment on Friday’s disposition.
Theoretically, Hernandez-Reyes is scheduled for decades of mandatory supervised release, but more likely, he'll be deported, as he had an immigration hold even before the rape.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
San Jose man sentenced to 169 years to life for Craigslist sex assaults
On May 8th, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Alden Danner sentenced Kamari Nelson of San Jose to 169 years to life for attacking two women who advertised on the erotic services section of Craigslist, a section changed to "adult services" after the recent killings of two women in Boston.
Nelson targeted women who advertised erotic services on Craigslist. Two women testified during the trial that Nelson called them over to his apartment to perform "services" on them, according to District Attorney spokesman Nick Muyo. When the women showed up, they testified that Nelson robbed and sexually assaulted them. Muyo said a third woman reported being sexually assaulted and robbed by Nelson, too, but she committed suicide before she could testify.
Nelson videotaped parts of the assault on one victim, while both women said that he taped them. The perp had a previous assault conviction in 2002.
Nelson targeted women who advertised erotic services on Craigslist. Two women testified during the trial that Nelson called them over to his apartment to perform "services" on them, according to District Attorney spokesman Nick Muyo. When the women showed up, they testified that Nelson robbed and sexually assaulted them. Muyo said a third woman reported being sexually assaulted and robbed by Nelson, too, but she committed suicide before she could testify.
Nelson videotaped parts of the assault on one victim, while both women said that he taped them. The perp had a previous assault conviction in 2002.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Brandon, MS man sentenced to 82 years for rape of 73 year old woman
Kirby Shavers was sentenced to 82 years in prison for the rape and assault on a 73 year old Brandon, MS woman while tying her son up. He admitted that he robbed her of her car, later found in Jackson, MS, and church money. The attack took place in August 2007, and Shavers was arrested in an abandoned Jackson house.
Rankin County Circuit Court Judge William Chapman sentenced the 49 year old Brandon man to 82 years total, 65 of which are to be served consecutively. His earliest release date will be in 2073, a fact the judge alluded to when he said, "You almost positively will never leave the penitentiary… You did not have to conduct the aggravated assault to conduct the rape," Chapman said. "But you did it anyway.”
Rankin-Madison District Attorney Michael Guest said, "This is one of the most heinous crimes I have ever prosecuted. If anyone deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail, it is Kirby Shavers."
Though the victim and her son weren’t in court, the sister in law read the woman’s victim impact statement.
But a sister-in-law of the elderly woman read a prepared statement. In the note, the rape victim said she is afraid to go anywhere alone and has gone into debt because she had to find a new home. It is too traumatic for her to be in her home of 38 years.
She is unable to work, sleep soundly or live a normal life with friends and family, she said. And she still has to see a doctor regularly.
"You instilled a sense of fear in me that will never go away," the sister-in-law read from the statement. "I'm an old woman who won't be able to enjoy the rest of my life. You took that from me. ... You will fear the big men in prison, as you will be small in their eyes."
Chapman asked Shavers if he would like to respond, and he said no.
As part of the evidence, Guest showed Chapman a photo of the victim taken shortly after the assault. Chapman mentioned it during the sentencing.
Aafram Sellers, Shaver’s public defender, said that “the weight of the evidence against [Sellers] was overwhelming.” He did not discuss a possible motive or Shavers’ drug use at the time of the rape, but said that the guilty plea and sentencing was “[Shaver’s] way of showing remorse.”
The rape victim’s granddaughter called Shavers a killer after the sentencing in a media interview because “ when you rape somebody that's what happens. You kill them. It's a shame that the Supreme Court of this country doesn't allow the death penalty for rape.”
The granddaughter called Shavers an evil animal because the grandmother said "Jesus is going to get you for this" during the rape, causing Shaver to attack harder.
Rankin County Circuit Court Judge William Chapman sentenced the 49 year old Brandon man to 82 years total, 65 of which are to be served consecutively. His earliest release date will be in 2073, a fact the judge alluded to when he said, "You almost positively will never leave the penitentiary… You did not have to conduct the aggravated assault to conduct the rape," Chapman said. "But you did it anyway.”
Rankin-Madison District Attorney Michael Guest said, "This is one of the most heinous crimes I have ever prosecuted. If anyone deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail, it is Kirby Shavers."
Though the victim and her son weren’t in court, the sister in law read the woman’s victim impact statement.
But a sister-in-law of the elderly woman read a prepared statement. In the note, the rape victim said she is afraid to go anywhere alone and has gone into debt because she had to find a new home. It is too traumatic for her to be in her home of 38 years.
She is unable to work, sleep soundly or live a normal life with friends and family, she said. And she still has to see a doctor regularly.
"You instilled a sense of fear in me that will never go away," the sister-in-law read from the statement. "I'm an old woman who won't be able to enjoy the rest of my life. You took that from me. ... You will fear the big men in prison, as you will be small in their eyes."
Chapman asked Shavers if he would like to respond, and he said no.
As part of the evidence, Guest showed Chapman a photo of the victim taken shortly after the assault. Chapman mentioned it during the sentencing.
Aafram Sellers, Shaver’s public defender, said that “the weight of the evidence against [Sellers] was overwhelming.” He did not discuss a possible motive or Shavers’ drug use at the time of the rape, but said that the guilty plea and sentencing was “[Shaver’s] way of showing remorse.”
The rape victim’s granddaughter called Shavers a killer after the sentencing in a media interview because “ when you rape somebody that's what happens. You kill them. It's a shame that the Supreme Court of this country doesn't allow the death penalty for rape.”
The granddaughter called Shavers an evil animal because the grandmother said "Jesus is going to get you for this" during the rape, causing Shaver to attack harder.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Tustin mobile home resident allegedly raped, assaulted by roommate
David Reyes, 20, of Tustin, CA was charged with raping his 60 year old female roommate in a mobile home park, then taking all of her items with him in his truck, found at a local hotel.
Police officers responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the Tustin Village Mobile Home Park on Sunday. When they arrived, officers say they found a 60-year-old woman who had been bound and sexually assaulted before being robbed of credit cards, flat screen televisions and other personal items.
Police arrested Reyes outside the hotel after he returned. He was taken to the Orange County Jail, charged with suspected rape, assault, burglary, and robbery.
Police officers responded to a report of suspicious circumstances in the Tustin Village Mobile Home Park on Sunday. When they arrived, officers say they found a 60-year-old woman who had been bound and sexually assaulted before being robbed of credit cards, flat screen televisions and other personal items.
Police arrested Reyes outside the hotel after he returned. He was taken to the Orange County Jail, charged with suspected rape, assault, burglary, and robbery.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Walter Sayre, Akron, OH rapist, sentenced to 19 years
Walter Sayre, a 37 year old Akron, OH rapist who served prison time for the 1992 rape of a 72 year old woman, was sentenced to 19 years in prison and a Tier III sex offender listing yesterday for assaulting a 57 year old Kenmore, OH woman on February 19 this year knowing he was HIV positive. Out of prison for only 6 months, Sayre pled guilty to rape, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and felonious assault. Judge Judith Hunter was the presiding judge. Tier III sex offenders have to stay on The List for life, and must report to the police every 3 months. Ohio prison sentences carry no “good time,” but prison time can be added for bad behavior.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Kansas City man sentenced to 20 years for rape, robbery of fast food manager
20 year old O’Brian Jones was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape, burglary, and robbery of a Kansas City mother who was also the night manager of a fast food place. Jones plead guilty in May, admitting the crimes.
Jones and another man, suspected to be Jon M. Vaughns (scheduled to go to trial later this month), are accused of walking through a woman’s house after breaking in, repeatedly raping her, and stealing clothing from her kids’ rooms, food from her refrigerator, and an X-Box. After all of this, they drove her to her credit union and forced her to cash her $935 paycheck she earned from her work as a fast food outlet manager. After the rape, Jones and his accomplice poured bleach on their victim to try and eliminate DNA evidence, a technique learned from crime programs.
Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Baker asked for a 25-year sentence, noting that Jones often held the gun during the assaults, which lasted up to three hours. “This defendant deserves no mercy by this court,” Baker said. “Treat him for what he is, a brutal, brutal rapist."
Defense lawyer Kenton Hall asked for mercy, noting that Jones had no prior conditions for any crimes, with a 12 year sentence recommendation. He said that Jones was abusing drugs at the time.
“Look at O’Brian Jones as an individual who will come back to society some day,” Hall said.
Jackson County Judge Jay Daugherty presided over Jones’ sentencing.
Jones and another man, suspected to be Jon M. Vaughns (scheduled to go to trial later this month), are accused of walking through a woman’s house after breaking in, repeatedly raping her, and stealing clothing from her kids’ rooms, food from her refrigerator, and an X-Box. After all of this, they drove her to her credit union and forced her to cash her $935 paycheck she earned from her work as a fast food outlet manager. After the rape, Jones and his accomplice poured bleach on their victim to try and eliminate DNA evidence, a technique learned from crime programs.
Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Baker asked for a 25-year sentence, noting that Jones often held the gun during the assaults, which lasted up to three hours. “This defendant deserves no mercy by this court,” Baker said. “Treat him for what he is, a brutal, brutal rapist."
Defense lawyer Kenton Hall asked for mercy, noting that Jones had no prior conditions for any crimes, with a 12 year sentence recommendation. He said that Jones was abusing drugs at the time.
“Look at O’Brian Jones as an individual who will come back to society some day,” Hall said.
Jackson County Judge Jay Daugherty presided over Jones’ sentencing.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Serial Seattle gropers claims 2 dozen victims - a suspect arrested
(Original Post 5-23-08)
A groper who attacked a South Seattle woman over the weekend may have assaulted as many as 23 other in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill neighborhods.
Seattle police reported that the groper ran up behind a woman walking with her child around 10 AM Saturday morning, and touched her on the buttocks. The victim screamed and ran, bringing out witnesses. The groper, described as a fortyish black man standing 5’-10” with skin blemishes, fled into a vehicle described as a 1994 green Jeep Cherokee.
Police think the same man has continued to prey on women despite increased police patrols, widespread publicity and community meetings about the attacks.
Detectives have not yet spoken to the most recent victim and were urging her to come forward, and asking anyone who knows her to refer her to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sexual Assault Unit at 206-684-5575.
The suspect's behavior became more aggressive in the past year, police said. He tried to drag one woman into a dark alley and in January, preyed on two girls, 13 and 14, as they were crossing the street in the 5200 block of 42nd Avenue South.
Groping is considered a “gateway” sexual crime, just like flashing and peeping, and many gropers have turned into rapists, according to authorities.
"That's why are bringing this to the public seeking assistance... ," police spokeswoman Renee Witt said. "It's really important that we talk to this victim from the last attack and any other victims that may be out there."
(Update 5-24-08) There's a suspect in some of the groping cases. Darin Bolar, a father of 2, has been charged with 4th degree assault in the Saturday, May 17 groping and theft of the cell phone of the man who reported it. He was convicted of molesting a teenage girl at a water park and assaulting his girlfriend in the 1990s, and the assault of his girlfriend was pled down from a rape charge. The water park incident lead to a guilty plea and 2 years in prison.
Bolar is a registered Level 1 sex offender, which is the category considered by authorities at minimal risk of recidivism. He is required by law to inform police each time he changes an address, but is not held to more-stringent regular check-ins mandated for higher-risk sex offenders.
A State Patrol sex-offender database shows that Bolar, who has more than a dozen aliases, registered his last known address at 4247 S. Thistle St.
Police think they are looking for at least one other man, possibly a copycat or an accomplice, because of disparities in the descriptions given of the attacker, Witt said.
In all the cases, Asian women were targeted.
(Update 6-6-08) Bolar was in court June 4 for his arrignment. He pleaded not guilty to robbery and assault for the last alleged attack, and is being held on $500,000 bond.
A groper who attacked a South Seattle woman over the weekend may have assaulted as many as 23 other in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill neighborhods.
Seattle police reported that the groper ran up behind a woman walking with her child around 10 AM Saturday morning, and touched her on the buttocks. The victim screamed and ran, bringing out witnesses. The groper, described as a fortyish black man standing 5’-10” with skin blemishes, fled into a vehicle described as a 1994 green Jeep Cherokee.
Police think the same man has continued to prey on women despite increased police patrols, widespread publicity and community meetings about the attacks.
Detectives have not yet spoken to the most recent victim and were urging her to come forward, and asking anyone who knows her to refer her to police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sexual Assault Unit at 206-684-5575.
The suspect's behavior became more aggressive in the past year, police said. He tried to drag one woman into a dark alley and in January, preyed on two girls, 13 and 14, as they were crossing the street in the 5200 block of 42nd Avenue South.
Groping is considered a “gateway” sexual crime, just like flashing and peeping, and many gropers have turned into rapists, according to authorities.
"That's why are bringing this to the public seeking assistance... ," police spokeswoman Renee Witt said. "It's really important that we talk to this victim from the last attack and any other victims that may be out there."
(Update 5-24-08) There's a suspect in some of the groping cases. Darin Bolar, a father of 2, has been charged with 4th degree assault in the Saturday, May 17 groping and theft of the cell phone of the man who reported it. He was convicted of molesting a teenage girl at a water park and assaulting his girlfriend in the 1990s, and the assault of his girlfriend was pled down from a rape charge. The water park incident lead to a guilty plea and 2 years in prison.
Bolar is a registered Level 1 sex offender, which is the category considered by authorities at minimal risk of recidivism. He is required by law to inform police each time he changes an address, but is not held to more-stringent regular check-ins mandated for higher-risk sex offenders.
A State Patrol sex-offender database shows that Bolar, who has more than a dozen aliases, registered his last known address at 4247 S. Thistle St.
Police think they are looking for at least one other man, possibly a copycat or an accomplice, because of disparities in the descriptions given of the attacker, Witt said.
In all the cases, Asian women were targeted.
(Update 6-6-08) Bolar was in court June 4 for his arrignment. He pleaded not guilty to robbery and assault for the last alleged attack, and is being held on $500,000 bond.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
University of Virginia rapist pleads guilty - faces 40 years
Christopher Allen Noakes, 39, a UVa rapist and assaulter of women will spend 40 years in prison due to a plea agreement to 2 counts of forcible sodomy for an attempted rape which occured February 21. Judge Edward L. Hogshire, of the Charlottesville Circuit Court, accepted the plea agreement, and keeps Noakes from spending possibly the rest of his life in prison. Both prosecutors and Noakes’ public defender praised the agreement.
“A 40 year sentence is a very decent amount of time,” Assistant Commonwealth’s attorney Katherine J. Peters said in court.
“It sends a strong message to the community that this will not be tolerated,” added Nicholas Reppucci, assistant public defender.
Noakes was previously convicted of kidnapping a 19 year old student back in the 1980s, and beating a 35 year old UVa employee as she was getting into her car. This happened 3 days after release from a juvenile facility in Richmond where he had been place for attempted rape.
The last incident occurred February 21, when a sophomore UVa student was talking to a friend on a cell phone. Noakes walked up behind her, held a knife to her throat, and demanded money. The woman’s friend, on the other end of the phone, called 911 to describe what was happening. Noakes ordered to woman to strip and attempted to rape her, but the attack caught a neighbor’s attention, and the victim was able to get that neighbor to call 911.
“She felt the person was bound to call 911 and assist her,” Peters said.
Police arrived to find Noakes on top of the woman, but he jumped up and ran until officers arrested him in the 500 block of 14th Street Northwest. The victim was taken to the UVa Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
The plea deal calls for a 40 year prison sentence and dropping charges of abduction with the intent to defile, intent to rape, and robbery. The judge has the discretion to order an additional suspended term consecutive to the prison sentence when formal sentencing occurs on August 21. Reppucci said that there were multiple reasons why Noakes decided to plead guilty, including “start[ing] the healing process for the victim.” He is curreltly being held at the Albermarle-Charlottsville regional jail.
“A 40 year sentence is a very decent amount of time,” Assistant Commonwealth’s attorney Katherine J. Peters said in court.
“It sends a strong message to the community that this will not be tolerated,” added Nicholas Reppucci, assistant public defender.
Noakes was previously convicted of kidnapping a 19 year old student back in the 1980s, and beating a 35 year old UVa employee as she was getting into her car. This happened 3 days after release from a juvenile facility in Richmond where he had been place for attempted rape.
The last incident occurred February 21, when a sophomore UVa student was talking to a friend on a cell phone. Noakes walked up behind her, held a knife to her throat, and demanded money. The woman’s friend, on the other end of the phone, called 911 to describe what was happening. Noakes ordered to woman to strip and attempted to rape her, but the attack caught a neighbor’s attention, and the victim was able to get that neighbor to call 911.
“She felt the person was bound to call 911 and assist her,” Peters said.
Police arrived to find Noakes on top of the woman, but he jumped up and ran until officers arrested him in the 500 block of 14th Street Northwest. The victim was taken to the UVa Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.
The plea deal calls for a 40 year prison sentence and dropping charges of abduction with the intent to defile, intent to rape, and robbery. The judge has the discretion to order an additional suspended term consecutive to the prison sentence when formal sentencing occurs on August 21. Reppucci said that there were multiple reasons why Noakes decided to plead guilty, including “start[ing] the healing process for the victim.” He is curreltly being held at the Albermarle-Charlottsville regional jail.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Texas granny raped, beaten, pushed into well
An 18 year old registered sex offender is being held on $167,500 bond after being charged with kidnapping, raping, beating, then throwing a 63 year old woman into a well, where she was miraculously found by her grandson then rescued 16 hours later.
Henderson County Sheriff officials said Joshua James Cannon, 18, has been formerly charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and felon in possession of a firearm.
Cannon was sent to the Texas Youth Commission for molesting a 5 year old girl and registered as a sex offender last Wednesday.
"The investigation is continuing so we don't know all the charges the investigators will charge him with," McWilliams said.
The ordeal started after Cannon asked to use the woman’s phone. He said his truck had broken down, and called a number, but got an answering machine. He came back again, this time, with a rifle, and aimed it at her head.
"I tried to shut the door, but he grabbed it and ripped it from my hands. I ran toward the front door, but he caught me and hit me with the butt of the gun which knocked me to the floor," she said.
As she tried to escape, the man continually asked if she had a debit card while beating her.
"He took my purse and just kept asking if I had an ATM card. I just asked him to take the purse and leave but he wouldn't leave me. I begged and begged to stay here, but he wouldn't let me," she said. Despite her injuries, Cannon allegedly grabbed the woman up off the floor and forced her outside to her car.
"He pushed me in the car and told me if I tried to jump out that he would kill me. I didn't know what to do," she said.
The woman said Cannon kept saying the ordeal was some type of gang-related initiation and that he was being watched, but she never saw anyone.
Cannon passed her son’s home twice, with the woman, while holding her puppy, wondering if she was going to see him or other family members alive again.
"I just kept thinking of something to do, but I couldn't. I just kept thinking 'Oh God."
Less than two miles from her house was a path into a wooded area where the concrete well stands -- a well with a narrow top protruding from the earth about three feet and the base ballooning out into a cistern 20 feet below.
According to the woman, the perpetrator gave her three choices – being shot, strangled, or pushed down into the well. Cannon decided to push her down the well, where she bounced off the sides before resting at the water filled bottom.
"I don't remember how I fell, but I remember being scared and cold. I don't know why he left but soon he was gone," she said.
As the woman fought shock, hallucinations and the cold for hours on end, her family began looking for her after hearing a voicemail from the Seagoville Police Department on her cell phone.
The woman's daughter said she had gone by her mother's home and saw a chair out of place and thought it was odd her mother was not home.
However, it would be several hours before the daughter went back to the home and saw her mother's cell phone sitting on a table with the message about her car.
Henderson County Sheriff's Lt. Pat McWilliams said Seagoville police found the suspect and a 15 year old juvenile, who Cannon picked up after he pushed the woman into the well. The police seized the car, but let both go.
Meanwhile, the woman’s family started calling police and searching for their matriarch after the Seagoville police called the victim’s daughter about the stolen car.
The son, familiar with the area of the well because of previous ATV riding, sent his son, the victim’s grandson to the well just in case she was there.
"I don't know why my brother thought to look there, but he sent my nephew and he found his grandmother down in the well," the victim's daughter said.
The victim said at first she thought she was dreaming that her grandson was looking down at her, but then other family members and neighbors began gathering around the well.
"I heard him saying grandma and I just started crying and thanking God. I knew that God had saved me," she said.
But it would take firefighters with the Gun Barrel City Fire Department to safely retrieve her from what had been her prison for a day.
The victim's daughter said firefighters originally tried a ladder, but it didn't work so they lowered a firefighter down to help the beaten woman out.
"Seeing (the firefighter) I thought he just looked good," she said.
The victim was taken to Tyler, where she was treated for dehydration, brusies and a broken nose. Currently, the woman is living with relatives, but her future plans are unclear.
I don't want to move, but then I don't want to be alone right now. I hope that (Cannon) gets the punishment he deserves."
"God let me know with this that miracles do happen."
Henderson County Sheriff officials said Joshua James Cannon, 18, has been formerly charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, aggravated kidnapping, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and felon in possession of a firearm.
Cannon was sent to the Texas Youth Commission for molesting a 5 year old girl and registered as a sex offender last Wednesday.
"The investigation is continuing so we don't know all the charges the investigators will charge him with," McWilliams said.
The ordeal started after Cannon asked to use the woman’s phone. He said his truck had broken down, and called a number, but got an answering machine. He came back again, this time, with a rifle, and aimed it at her head.
"I tried to shut the door, but he grabbed it and ripped it from my hands. I ran toward the front door, but he caught me and hit me with the butt of the gun which knocked me to the floor," she said.
As she tried to escape, the man continually asked if she had a debit card while beating her.
"He took my purse and just kept asking if I had an ATM card. I just asked him to take the purse and leave but he wouldn't leave me. I begged and begged to stay here, but he wouldn't let me," she said. Despite her injuries, Cannon allegedly grabbed the woman up off the floor and forced her outside to her car.
"He pushed me in the car and told me if I tried to jump out that he would kill me. I didn't know what to do," she said.
The woman said Cannon kept saying the ordeal was some type of gang-related initiation and that he was being watched, but she never saw anyone.
Cannon passed her son’s home twice, with the woman, while holding her puppy, wondering if she was going to see him or other family members alive again.
"I just kept thinking of something to do, but I couldn't. I just kept thinking 'Oh God."
Less than two miles from her house was a path into a wooded area where the concrete well stands -- a well with a narrow top protruding from the earth about three feet and the base ballooning out into a cistern 20 feet below.
According to the woman, the perpetrator gave her three choices – being shot, strangled, or pushed down into the well. Cannon decided to push her down the well, where she bounced off the sides before resting at the water filled bottom.
"I don't remember how I fell, but I remember being scared and cold. I don't know why he left but soon he was gone," she said.
As the woman fought shock, hallucinations and the cold for hours on end, her family began looking for her after hearing a voicemail from the Seagoville Police Department on her cell phone.
The woman's daughter said she had gone by her mother's home and saw a chair out of place and thought it was odd her mother was not home.
However, it would be several hours before the daughter went back to the home and saw her mother's cell phone sitting on a table with the message about her car.
Henderson County Sheriff's Lt. Pat McWilliams said Seagoville police found the suspect and a 15 year old juvenile, who Cannon picked up after he pushed the woman into the well. The police seized the car, but let both go.
Meanwhile, the woman’s family started calling police and searching for their matriarch after the Seagoville police called the victim’s daughter about the stolen car.
The son, familiar with the area of the well because of previous ATV riding, sent his son, the victim’s grandson to the well just in case she was there.
"I don't know why my brother thought to look there, but he sent my nephew and he found his grandmother down in the well," the victim's daughter said.
The victim said at first she thought she was dreaming that her grandson was looking down at her, but then other family members and neighbors began gathering around the well.
"I heard him saying grandma and I just started crying and thanking God. I knew that God had saved me," she said.
But it would take firefighters with the Gun Barrel City Fire Department to safely retrieve her from what had been her prison for a day.
The victim's daughter said firefighters originally tried a ladder, but it didn't work so they lowered a firefighter down to help the beaten woman out.
"Seeing (the firefighter) I thought he just looked good," she said.
The victim was taken to Tyler, where she was treated for dehydration, brusies and a broken nose. Currently, the woman is living with relatives, but her future plans are unclear.
I don't want to move, but then I don't want to be alone right now. I hope that (Cannon) gets the punishment he deserves."
"God let me know with this that miracles do happen."
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