Loved Ones Of Sexually Assaulted Girl Pleads For Public's Help
MIAMI (CBS4) - For the first time since an 11-year-old Miami girl was abducted and sexually assaulted last Thursday afternoon, her loved ones are speaking out, appealing for the public's help in solving this troubling case.
"It's very painful. We feel awful because of what happened to our family," said Charlene, a cousin of the victim. "As a family we are coming together to support the mother and the daughter and the whole family. Our hearts feel really bad."
Charlene told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that she did not want to release her last name in order to protect the child's identity. But she decided to speak out because she hoped her words would prompt some tips.
The girl was abducted around 2:45 PM Thursday from the area of Northwest 15th Avenue and 50th Street and taken to another location where she was sexually assaulted, according to Miami Police.
"We would appreciate it if anyone in the community has seen anything, if they know anything to please contact the authorities," said Charlene. "Please, because it's really wrong for children to be violated."
Police went door-to-door passing out flyers with a sketch of the man who they are looking for.
The child was able to give officers a detailed description of the people who attacked her and where it happened.
Detectives described the man as a white male in his 40-50's, tall with a large stomach, spiked hair, tattoos on his arms, possibly an eagle, and she said he spoke Spanish. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, khaki shorts and black shoes.
"I would like them to study that face," said Charlene. "I would like them to pay attention to what goes on in this community with girls and young people walking back and forth to school and the park. If it doesn't look right, call the police."
The woman was described as a white female that has purple or dark burgundy hair. She also spoke Spanish.
"My concern is we have to catch the person who did this to violate this baby," said Rev. Harriette Wilson-Greene, a community activist who has been helping the victim's family. "The mother is hurting."
"We need to support the mother and the family right now. They need all the resources that they can get," said Charlene.
Miami Police are also looking for a 4-door, SUV that is either light-blue or silver-blue that the suspects may have been driving around in. It also has a design on its front grill.
"We need to get the public to come out and give us information. A lot of people don't know any better or don't want to get involved," said Miami Police Sergeant Nerly Papier. "But if you come out and knock on their doors, they will give you what you need."
"I was shocked due to this happening in my neighborhood and right by my house. I have two little girls myself," said neighbor Nicole Jackson. "I let my little daughter look at the picture of this suspect and told her don't talk to strangers."
Some of the victim's family members are wondering why it took police four days to alert the public about the suspects.
"We've been working on this as soon as the incident took place and as soon as we were made aware of it we started on this case," said Sgt. Papier. "It just takes time. We are doing everythingwe can and we will continue to do everything we can."
"We understand the family's concerns. Our officers are working closely with the mother. Again, this is a process; there are steps we have to take. We didn't have a sketch available until yesterday," said Sgt. Freddy Cruz. "As soon as we had the details and the information, we released it to the public. Once we got the sketch of this animal, we released it."
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami Police at (305) 603-6300 or Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
