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October 27, 2009 8:28 AM

Richmond High School Gang-Rape in California: Others Watched and Did Nothing, Say Cops

Posted by Edecio Martinez
VIDEO COURTESY OF CBS AFFILIATE CBS 5 RICHMOND

RICHMOND, Calif. (CBS/AP) Police believe as many as a dozen people watched a 15-year-old girl get beaten and gang-raped outside Richmond High School in California at a homecoming dance without reporting it.

"She was raped, beaten, robbed and dehumanized by several suspects who were obviously OK enough with it to behave that way in each other's presence," Lt. Mark Gagan said. "What makes it even more disturbing is the presence of others. People came by, saw what was happening and failed to report it."

Police sources told CBS Affiliate CBS 5 that some of the bystanders laughed as the attack unfolded while others took photos with their cell phones.

The victim remained hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Manuel Ortega, 19, was arrested at the scene on Friday and was being held on $800,000 bail for investigation of rape and robbery. He is not a student at the school.

Richmond police Sgt. David Harris did not know if Ortega had retained an attorney.

Police said the girl left the dance and was walking to meet her father for a ride home when a classmate invited her to join a group drinking in the courtyard. The victim had drank a large amount of alcohol by the time the assault began, police said.

Officers received a tip about a possible assault on campus and found the girl semi-conscious near a picnic table.

Marin Trujillo, a spokesman for the West Contra Costa Unified School District, said there were four police officers and three school administrators monitoring the dance, but the assault happened away from the gym.

A second arrest was made late Monday. A 15-year-old student was booked on one count of sexual assault. But authorities say as many as five more men attacked the girl.

More at CBS Affiliate CBS 5

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Add a Comment See all 106 Comments
by yhoang09 November 20, 2009 12:06 PM EST
1)where is the cops? They are paid by us!!! They should have stay until they know everyone is home or at least escort students who is alone to their ride whether they get paid more or less. So what the area is poor? Does it mean it not worth protecting? Cops' was suppose to be a primary prevention of crimes. They are suppose to take actions before crime even occur, not after! To the cops who are also parent, think about what if its your daughter who's got gang rape by strangers, I'm sure you'll regret and perhaps hate the cops/securities because THEY DONT GET PAID OVERTIME SO THEY DONT DO NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!! LACK OF HUMANITY!!!!!!!!!

2)Parent of the Rapist, though it wasn't your fault, but you guys held part of the responsibilities for your child actions. If you think their action is right, you are the worse parent in the universe. Perhaps, your parents didnt raise you well enough to be a parent? If you feel sorry for your child, dont be. True, they are born is the era where they get what they want (computer, food, ipod, drink, shoes, clothes, etc.) doesn't mean if they want to rape someone, they can do it too! Alcohols is not to be blame, you as a parent are, and your child who is now known as the most hated rapist to the who United State...

3)People who just walked by the crime scene and do nothing, you best hope it wont happened to you when you or your children is in some danger situation and when you or your children is begging for help, but all they do is walk away from it. Believe or not, there's KARMA and its either gonna be on you, your family, or your next generation...
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by propellerdiver November 7, 2009 1:44 PM EST
I lived in New York years ago when Kitty Genovese was murdered outside her building in Kew Gardens. It has been forty years, and I'm still sickened that people can listen to- much less see- that kind of brutality and do nothing. At that time, New Yorkers, even the nation- were sickened by that foul murder and the apathy that allowed it to go on. The young men and women of that Richmond community are the worst kind of cowards, just despicable. I'm completely ashamed of all of them that knew of this and did not step up. I'm an old man now, but I'd have died on the spot before I allowed that to pass. A coward dies a thousand deaths, a NORMAL man but one. You don't have to be a hero to do what is right, but you have to be depraved to permit that kind of savagery.
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by katwoman55 November 6, 2009 6:00 PM EST
http://katmarkle.blogspot.com/

Please go to my blog answer by clicking on the link. No, I do not get paid for anything.
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by Wayne Kyle November 2, 2009 12:45 PM EST
We should invite these accused up to Canada..Although we are very liberal, you find their bodies until spring, and then again maybe not even then. There is no excuse for this type of behavior, and as parent and grandparent, I would certainly exercise my right for justice, and NOT in the courts.
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by detiger0321 November 1, 2009 11:51 PM EST
*** is wrong with the human race? Kids today have too many privledges, cell phones (high end and Expensive)given to them by their parents. They want 200.00 tennis shoes or Tommy Hilfiger name brand clothing, paid for by the parents. They won't work for anything, they expect it to be handed to them on a silver platter and then have the balls to ask for more. Some of these Bastards won't even take out the garbage for God's sake, they won't cook a meal when both of the parents work their ass's off to provide them with even more. They need car's when they turn 16, which the parents buy, because they are too lazy to walk. Give me a break. They are nothing but a bunch of immature,spoiled brats who think the world revolves around them.. The AH's who did this to this poor girl ought to be skinned alive with a dull knife an foot at a time every day till there is nothing left. Either that or do like they did in the dark ages, draw and quartering...................
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by JaneDoe123456 November 5, 2009 8:37 PM EST
detiger0321, I'm confused as to why you think that the accused are spoiled brats who are given too much? I think you should keep in mind that they are from Richmond, which is notorious for being a poor area with lots of crime...it's safe to assume that they weren't preveliged. so your comment above doesn't apply to this case most likely. And you should be ashamed for your childish solution of promoting violence, instead of courtroom justice.
by November 1, 2009 3:49 PM EST
I have few comments:

1) I read above some posts feel that it was girl's fault to get drunk and such. Keep in mind (a) she did say no. (b) No matter what that does not give right for others to take advantage of situation (c) It is easy to discuss and argue - but just to experience it yourself to feel it truly being gang raped !
Its just a shame that this society has people of all kinds even to come up with such ideas.. long live this world !

2) The onlookers: they were just enjoying the scene: cool, reminds me of Gladiator movie. We prove ourselves again and again what kind of society we live in and our animal instincts.
Again, just put yourself in the picture and enjoy !

3) One off incident: I ready many posts and news saying it is okay since it is just one off incident and such. True, thats why again enjoy... as long as you are not in the scene ! People who talk of such definitely are far off reality. Every small one counts and adds before its too late. You can be pro-active or just be reactive.
Enjoy the gang rape - may be make a movie or youtube or such - have fun being an audience !

4) Actions: I see the debates and discussions will go on. But no policy maker will even attempt to take this up. People (like myself too) just waste their time with these postings and such in hopes of life.

5) Examples: If there is a will, there is a way: Today the criminal laws are so relaxed that it pays to be a criminal (esp. minor) and enjoy tax payers money. Thinking positively, take for example in Arab countries, people do not dare to attempt to harm and abuse women. The laws are so strict there. On other hand, USA life is good - laws are made by men and for men !

6) Only victims take steps such as megan's law etc.: why people need to become a victim to take actions ? Why policy makers do not attempt - since they are never victims - well paid and well protected ?!

Last, unless the laws are strict, the aftermath reactive is just too late just like pouring sympathy oil on a dead body.
Life goes on, hopefully we see some true leaders and not just policy makers.
Hopefully we see some true samaritans, not just people expressing their thoughts influenced by their personal needs and situations.

Well, until then just enjoy the movie and youtube on the above gang rape .. soon to be released... !
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by robinspiers October 31, 2009 1:06 PM EDT
All the people that committed this crime and all the people that watched this crime and did nothing are low life scum. Death would be too good for all of you. I hope that each of you (even you cowards that watched and did nothing) experience the exact same thing every day for the rest of your lives, and I wish you long and torturous lives.
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by watchful1 October 31, 2009 12:40 PM EDT
Several points on the earlier comments and on the story itself.

1. The victim bears no responsibility whatsoever for this act. The people who did it have 100% of the responsibility and are alone culpable for this act.
2. The failure to report is likely a result of the "jailhouse" mentality that I have observed from personal experience, where it is rule no. one that you do not snitch, along with some that might have believed what was going on was entertaining, OK, funny, etc. I have personally observed these kind of attitudes with kids I grew up with, and known at least three girls I grew up with that were forced into sex one way or the other. I have personally intervened (yes, physically in a fight) more than once when these kinds of people tried to hurt someone.
3. Society has indeed changed from a time when there was more individual responsibility to take charge in cases like this, both in this single act and in the social setting that apparently exists surrounding this neighborhood. I grew up in the inner city in the 50s and more personal responsibility was practiced to right these kinds of wrongs. However, I have to include that rape and other terrible things occurred, and many injustices (racial and gender) were still condoned. The biggest difference is that it seemed more isolated instances and less of a society thing. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, there has always been more violent and alcohol related crimes per capita in the poorer socio economic areas. The rise of gang mentality has permeated even our socially accepted entertainment to a degree it has to be affecting our youth or all socio economic classes.
4.I don't think this has anything to do with government handouts, it seems every blog on any subject now has government handouts tied to it as the root of all evil. This is illogical and irrelevant to this incident.
5.While I don't think the school is ultimately responsible for this exact incident, these days you can't let a young child walk alone to school, and you can't let children of any age be in a position to be hurt like this. We all know how the world is today, and there are logistical steps that can be taken, if the parents and adults make it enough of a priority and are not willing to accept the damage. The school districts with the most money have the best facilities and those with the least have the less. Part of it is the mentality of the parents, I assure you, and to effect total change it has to start with good parenting. The school can not subtitute for personal responsibilithy.
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by asdfewr123 October 31, 2009 10:39 AM EDT
This is the expected outcome of our society. And it's not about some moral erosion or some other ideological prattle. It's about a socialistic mentality that is permeating the country.

Don't have a job? Don't worry, the Government will take care of it.
Don't have a house, Government will take care of it.
Done have 'X' the Government will take care of it.

Point being that as we become more accustomed to the Government "Doing Something About It" and the Congress-Critters responding with their welfare, health care, bail outs, unemployment benefits there is less incentive for individuals to take up the banner of needing to do anything about "it" or eventually, anything else.

Providing ever increasing social security networks reward people to fail as humans. Don't need a job if I can get hand outs. Don't need to try if the Government will take care of it. People are refusing work simply because they have unemployment coming in and are waiting for that "Great Job" like they used to have, but no longer exists. Were they starving they would be working, employed, useful contributors to the society and economy.

Had these kids been given the lesson that they are responsible for their world and the Government will not take care of it -- it's likely that there would be a lot fewer observers and more reporting the issue or even breaking it up.
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by asdfewr123 October 31, 2009 10:46 AM EDT
Problem is that schools, government, and society is working very hard to make sure that individuals do not get this message they they are empowered to do anything independent. Independent thought is contrary to collectivism. And then there's always the risk that someone might respond to this and be charged with aggravated assault by beating on a rapist. And the Hero is the Villan and the Villan is the Victim and the real Victim is less a victim. Now, if we actually where able to turn a "blind eye" upon the Hero who broke up the attack by thumping the rapist we might make some progress. But our News Media and Christian thinking prevents this.
I think people forget that even Christians can wail on someone first and forgive them later. There's something about Christ in a Church and people selling wares. But I'm not highly studied on the details.
by watchful1 October 31, 2009 6:15 PM EDT
You must be kidding. No offense, but do you really think this is about political ideology (I know you said it is not about some other ideological prattle, but then you proceed to prattle off some ideology). Did you perhaps mean to be on a socialistic vs. conservative blog? Sorry, but I fail to see what this has to do with government hand outs.
by Iamhope October 31, 2009 10:25 AM EDT
Responsibility! "We are not savages..." Everyone including the suspects, are quick to say "it's not our fault". Perhaps it's time for all highschool students, in every high school, to become empowered and say: "We are all responsible when something like this happens". This is a horrific, teachable moment. My heart beats with anger and sorrow for the victim. This was not about sex this was about the taking of human dignity, when that happens we all suffer. What can powerful teens do to expose and choke the environment that fed this? When we give up our responsibility we give up our power.
Hope Colt
Religious Growth Director Unitarian Church, Lincoln NE
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by Carolusa October 30, 2009 10:30 AM EDT
Those who stood by and did nothing. Those who just watched are
just as guilty as the attackers and should go to jail. They should
be tried as adults and sentenced to prison, and I hope that everyday
they get the same treatment that girl received. I pray for her
to recover in body, mind and spirit.
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by MIO42 October 30, 2009 4:20 AM EDT
As many as 10 people were involved in the assault in a dimly lit back alley at the school, police have said. Another 10 people watched, without calling 911, police said.

Obviously these "CRITTERS" never had Parent ('s )

Human evil at it's best !!
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by one4gipper October 29, 2009 11:30 PM EDT
The saddest part of this attack for me is what it says about our society. I graduated from high school in 1962. We did not have security guards at our school dances. A couple of teachers would act as chaperones to make sure that no one spiked the punch. When I was in elementary school, kids walked to school. No parent is his right mind would let a first grader walk to school today.

We are supposed to have become more multiculturist, more tolerant of others. However, I only see a culture of "me, me, me", of self-centered narcisists. America is quickly becoming the country that we all deserve. I watch the disintegration of our social fabric with increasing fascination and dispair.
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by nobodysfault October 31, 2009 10:23 AM EDT
The saddest part of these attacks is the lack of responsibility the people who created it take. I guess no one was raped in the 1960s and 1970s. I guess there was no racism or people being hung from trees while others watched and cheered. These acts are despicable and disgusting, and without a doubt deserve to be severly punished. But stop blaming immigration or multi-culturalism. The blame is the failing education systems and lack of responsibility instilled in our society by the past generations. The lack of good local leadership and failure of the general population to stand up and demand good local policy and to get involved causes these types of behaviors.
by ackbar2029 October 29, 2009 8:48 PM EDT
This sickens the hell out of me and is inexcusable.

My prayers go out to the young lady with the hope that in time, she'll be able to put this behind her. May God bless her and bring her peace.

I hope they find everyone involved in this incident, treat them all as adults and at least thro them them in jail for life if the death penalty isn't an option.

I also think the spectators should get jail time if the law allows it for not being good citizens and the parents (if they even care) should be coming down on them if they know who they are. It is so scary when people refuse to get involved when something like this happens. For crying out loud! A quick phone call could have stopped this. Where is our since of honor and concern for our fellow citizen?!
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by missdish October 29, 2009 7:25 PM EDT
I am so appauled by the comments here, someone should be policing this site, because i think there may be some people to question!
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by missdish October 29, 2009 6:46 PM EDT
I just finished watching the news clip about this, and I'm just horrified. And what kills me is that the schools spokes person MARIN TRUJILLO, had the nerve to say that the dance was an "over-all successfull event" What the @#$!@$$ is going on here!!! Obviously not!!! He should make a public apology for that statement as it completely belittle's the magnitude of this crime. This school has a history of major violence, fights posted on youtube, like 50 student murders last year, a van being burned on the football feild. Why aren't people, ADULTS doing their jobs!! And now a 15 yearold girl will be scarred for life. And she'll probably get blamed for how she dresses, or her "history" . I'm sorry to vent like this,,,but this case is just so awfull, and sad. And it makes me beyond angry. My prayers go out to the girl, and her family.
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by 0000000000007 October 29, 2009 5:18 PM EDT
What is wrong with you people? The ones who in the least bit blame this on a 15yo girl? Have you lost your minds? I don't care if she was drinking under age. How do you know she did not have her drink spiked with something else? Do you know how much it would take to get a 15yo drunk? Probably not much. Why are you blaming her dad? He cared enough to be there to pick her up in the first place. These perpetrators AND the witnesses need to be punished to the FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW. Throw these bastards in prison and throw away the GD key. Enough said
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by missdish October 29, 2009 6:42 PM EDT
Thank you, anyone on here that in anyway feels that this girl brought this upon herself has some serious souls searching to do. How do we know that they didn't force the alcohol down her throat, I mean come on, she was raped, and beaten by at least 5 men. So people on here like "iamthemango" with apparently no souls, and clearly no children should be ashamed of themselves! I hope all of these men go to prison for a very long time, and get raped, and beaten everyday!
by Iamthemango October 29, 2009 2:48 PM EDT
The school officials didn't force that girl to get falling down drunk, or to go off with a 'classmate' on the way to her ride home.

Parents these days think the school is supposed to raise their kids for them, in addition to educating them.

I pray for the girl and I hope the men/teens who did this are all caught and punished, in addition to the sickos who took cell phone shots, laughed and did nothing while a child was being horribly abused.
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by enrapturelj October 29, 2009 1:49 PM EDT
The school official who said that the school is not responsible SHOULD BE FIRED!!! It is ABSOLUTELY the responsibility of the school to insure the safety of students while on school property during a school sponsored event. It was also the responsibility of the school to run off the non-students that were congregating on school property. The fact that the attack went on for two and a half hours just goes to show that the school was not making any effort whatsoever to patrol the premises and ensure the safety of the students. And if this is a high crime area, even more reason that they should have known and foreseen the possibility of an incident happening and stepped up security for this event. For the school to try to place the blame on the parents is inexcusable. Parents should be able to feel that their child will be safe at a school sponsored event. How are children supposed to learn personal responsibility when they see school officials trying to shift the blame when they were clearly in the wrong instead of accepting responsibility for their part in this crime? Fire the school spokesperson, fire security and hire people who will actually do their job instead of hanging around the punchbowl, and sue the school!!!
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by Iamthemango October 29, 2009 1:34 PM EDT
Blame the perps for behaving like animals. They will see their share of prison justice, that is for certain. God help that little girl. I have daughters. This is every parent's nightmare.

The fact remains that a 15 year old is a child, and children frequently make poor decisions - especially without responsible adult intervention.

She should have had an escort, soneone to make sure she went home
She should not have been drinking alcohol
Her father should have searched for her when she didn't answer
Where was her 'classmate' while she was getting freight-trained?

According to the police her father called her cell phone and got no answer. What concerned father leaves a bad neighborhood when his 15 year old daughter disappears without explanation?
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