Teenager among three charged with gang rape of lesbian in California
Two men and a teenage boy have been charged with the alleged gang rape of a 28-year-old lesbian woman in the San Francisco area.
Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 31, and Josue Gonzalez, 21, were both charged with gang rape, car jacking and kidnapping for the attack on December 13th last year.
Darrell Hodges, 16, was charged as an adult with similar charges. A 15-year-old was also arrested last week on suspicion of being involved in the attack.
In addition, Salvador also faces charges of hate crime and of carrying a gun.
Both he and Gonzalez face a maximum sentence of life in prison if they are found guilty.
The two men did not make a plea when they appeared in Contra Costa County Superior Court on Tuesday, instead asking to have attorneys appointed by the court.
Richmond police Lieutenant Mark Gagan said:
“The crimes that were committed at face value were shocking, But when it was revealed there was also a hate crime enhancement, it really prompted outcry.”
The woman was attacked after she got out of her car in Richmond last December.
It is claimed that she was raped a number of times inside and outside the car before eventually being left naked outside a derelict building.
During the 45-minute assault, the woman was continually taunted for being a lesbian.
The crime has led to an flood of calls offering money and support for the woman, and has prompted gay rights activists to highlight the violence towards gay and lesbians.
Betty Sullivan, who runs a website that publicises gay and lesbian events, said:
“The idea that a peace-loving lesbian minding her own business, was attacked and gang-raped is an outrage. And people are stepping forward.”
