Mass. man accused of raping 17-year-old at country music show

BOSTON - A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped in front of country music fans on Saturday at a sold out concert in Massachusetts, reports CBS Boston. Police said some concertgoers just watched, unaware they were witnessing what the girl says was an assault.

The alleged attack occurred Saturday night during the Keith Urban show at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, outside Boston. Sean Murphy, 18, of West Roxbury, was among over 50 people taken into custody - most were arrested or treated for alcohol poisoning - at the show that night.

Police have since charged him with sexual assault.

According to a Mansfield police statement obtained by the station, a witness approached an officer during the concert to report a possible rape on the front lawn of the venue. The witness told the officer she approached the 17-year-old, who was on the ground with the suspect on top of her, and asked her if the "event" was consensual. The girl allegedly told the witness that it wasn't.

CBS Boston reports that police said a witness pushed the suspect off of the alleged victim, who "[broke] free" and ran away. The suspect, too, reportedly fled into the crowd.

Patrons brought the girl to get help and reunite her with her friends, according to the police statement. Witnesses gave officers a description of the suspect and police closed the venue's gates as they searched for him.

Witnesses said more than a dozen people looked on as the alleged crime was committed, some taking photos which police are now processing as evidence, CBS Boston reported.

The police report states Murphy told officers the act was consensual and "stressed that he did not force himself on [the girl]."

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