Man Arrested In Brutal Crawford-Roberts Rape Case

CRAWFORD-ROBERTS (KDKA)- An Uptown man has been charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman.

The attack happened early Sunday morning, as the victim was leaving a bar.  According to the criminal complaint, 45-year-old Yancey Murphy wrapped a belt around the victim's neck and dragged her into the bushes.

The bushes, and a concrete landing, were connected to a vacant church on Vine Street in the Crawford-Roberts neighborhood.

The complaint went on to say Murphy punched and kicked the victim before smashing her face into a brick wall. The victim was repeatedly raped for the next few hours, and police say she was in and out of consciousness.

Around 5 a.m., a witness heard the victim's screams and pulled over. The passerby saw Murphy run from the bushes. A few minutes later he saw the victim stagger out of the bushes.

The passerby talked to the victim, called 911 and then followed Murphy. He was eventually arrested at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Pride Street.

Police found the suspect's belt, along with the victim's personal belongings and clothing at the scene.

Murphy faces charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and unlawful restraint.

He is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.

The victim in the case was taken to UPMC Mercy for treatment.

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