Posted on 07/06/2007 6:04:39 PM PDT by indcons
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Two teenagers were accused of gang raping a woman and forcing her 12-year-old son to join in the attack, then beating him and pouring cleaning solution into his eyes.
Authorities allege Avion Lawson, 14, and Nathan Walker, 16, were among a group of about 10 masked suspects who forced their way into the woman's apartment in a crime-ridden housing project the night of June 18.
The two were being held without bail Friday on suspicion of armed sexual battery by multiple perpetrators, sexual performance by a child, armed home invasion and aggravated battery. Both were arrested this week, but formal charges had not been filed. Authorities said the two would be charged as adults.
"Any rape case is horrible but this takes it to another level, something you can't think of even in your worst dreams," police spokesman Ted White said.
According to the police report, a man knocked on the woman's door at about 9 p.m. and told her he had a flat tire. The mother and son, whom police have not identified, went outside and were ambushed by a group of gun-wielding suspects.
The victims told police they were forced back into their home and beaten and sexually assaulted. According to authorities, the men raped, sodomized and beat the woman, then forced her son to participate in the assault at gunpoint, making him have sex with his mother in front of them.
The boy was then beaten and had numerous household cleaning liquids poured into his eyes, according to the police report.
The suspects also stole a few hundred dollars worth of cash and jewelry, White said.
White said more arrests were expected, but he would not say whether authorities had identified additional suspects. The teens in custody were not cooperating, but Lawson confessed to taking part in the attack, White said. Walker has denied involvement, White said.
DNA evidence in a condom found in the victims' home linked Lawson to the crime, police said. Investigators also say they found a palm print belonging to Walker at the scene.
The victims did not suffer life-threatening injuries and have been released from the hospital, White said.
"They're going through the county victim services for counseling," he said.
Lawson lived in Dunbar Village, the hardscrabble project where the attack occurred. Walker was apparently visiting a friend there, White said.
Authorities believe the suspects all knew each other from the neighborhood, but they don't think they knew the victims directly.
Prosecutors have 21 days from the time a suspect is arrested to formally file charges. Lawson was arrested Tuesday. Walker was arrested Thursday.
Walker made a first court appearance on Friday, after which his father, also named Nathan Walker, spoke briefly.
"My son has a good heart," the elder Walker said outside court. "I can't believe my son would do something like this. I don't teach my son violence so I don't understand."
Walker's attorney, Robert Gershman, said Friday he intended to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of his client once charges are formally filed. He would not comment further.
A telephone message left at the office of Lawson's public defender was not immediately returned.
We are in agreement.
New or old rope, just put an end to the nonsense, at once.
Getting a license to carry is easy simple too”
That’s good to know. Too bad these people were not exercising their right to carry.
Some aren’t.
Check out the parents’ record.....
“His mother, Ruby Nell Walker, has been arrested nine times on charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and assault with intent to do bodily harm. His father, also named Nathan Walker, has been arrested eight times.”
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2007/07/06/0706gangrape.html?imw=Y
Good post
I don’t know. I am not saying that I don’t support the death penalty for rape....just as a minimum sentence. I think it is warranted in this case.
Nice Touch! Rabscuttle385 isn't an idiot.
If the FBI - Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Statistics tracks race and everything else about a crime, then I believe the media should report every aspect of crime.
However, the media is lame and thinks were all suppose to be uninformed medieval peasants.
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reports, in 2005 about 49% of murder victims were white, 49% were black, and 3% were Asians, Pacific Islander, and Native Americans.
This is the worst thing I’ve seen in a long time...well - it’s probably on par with that recent story of the canadian girl knifing her little 8 yr. old brother.
What they did to that mother and son is so vile - and so completely violated that special bond between parent and child. I cannot imagine the damage.
Of course they have to go with what the current laws are in that state, but it’s too bad when a unique situation like this arises we couldn’t all find a way to nod and say “oh yeah...they get the chair! tomorrow!”
I wonder if these two kids have any kids ... ?
You are a dumb ass they conspired to kidnap a one year old and ask for 200K. This doesnt bother you? You are a Retard.
Well, the boys could always attempt an “escape” and though it really broke the officers’ hearts, they were forced to shoot them.
and the officers would all get medals.
Wow, YOU are nasty!!! I didn't know what happened as I didn't see the story. What the heck is the matter with you? I was just asking what the story was. No need for such an attack.
OF COURSE, that is extremely disturbing - anyone that is HUMAN would think so. Next time, ask the poster what they mean if YOU don't know what they're asking, as apparently you didn't know. And, try to be more civil.
I can only guess myself, but I suspect that since the victims were living in a housing project they were black too. Not that it matters.
The Duke players were not acquitted.
They were declared innocent.
The crime as alleged had never occured, thus they could not possibly have committed it.
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