Source: West County Times via San Jose Mercury News, FoxReno
The two adult suspects arrested last week in the brutal gang rape of an out lesbian were were arraigned in Contra Costa Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon. One charged with a hate crime in connection with the attack.
One of two teenaged suspects was charged as an adult and arraigned Monday afternoon. The other teenager arrested for the crime will be tried as a juvenile.
Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 31, was charged with several felony counts including kidnapping, rape, and carjacking, West County Times reports.
Hate-crime enhancements were added to charges against Salvador, which could mean a more severe sentence if he is convicted. Authorities say the woman was taunted for being a lesbian during the 45-minute assault. Salvador was also charged with being armed with a gun, FoxReno reports.
The woman was attacked on Dec. 13 after she got out of her car that had on it a rainbow gay pride sticker, according to investigators.
Josue Gonzalez, 21, was accused of rape, carjacking, and various sexual crimes against the woman, whom authorities have not identified.
The pair did not enter pleas, but asked the court to appoint attorneys to represent them, FoxReno reports. Salvador was being held at Contra Costa County jail in lieu of $2.2 million bail. Gonzalez's bail was set at $1.9 million.
They could be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty, prosecutors said.
A third suspect, Darrell Albert Hodges, 16, was charged with similar crimes as an adult and was arraigned Monday, West County Times reports.
A fourth suspect, age 15, is being charged as a juvenile in the case.
Deputy District Attorney Karen Zelis declined to comment after the hearing.
Even investigators in Richmond said they were shocked by the brutality of the attack on the woman.
Supporters have been working to raise money for the victim, her partner, and her daughter as they deal with the trauma of the attack, FoxReno reports.
"The idea that a peace-loving lesbian was minding her own business, was attacked and gang-raped is an outrage. And people are stepping forward," said Betty Sullivan of San Francisco, who runs a Web site and e-mail list publicizing gay and lesbian events.
Sullivan is publicizing several benefits to raise money for the woman, known among her supporters as Richmond Jane Doe. She says the support is being driven not just by anger but by a sense among gays and lesbians that they too could have been targets, according to Bay City News via FoxReno.
"We know it could have been any of us," Sullivan said, according to FoxReno.
Source: Suspects in Richmond gang rape arraigned | San Jose Mercury News
Suspects In Gang Rape Of Richmond Lesbian Arraigned | FoxReno
Last modified: 7 Jan 09 10:10
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