Chester Police: All 6 Female Suspects In Videotaped Beating In Custody
By Tim Jimenez, Diana Rocco, Todd Quinones
CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities in Chester say all six suspects have been arrested in connection with the videotaped beating of a mentally challenged woman. (See Related Story)
The suspects have been identified as Takia Edwards, Anye Dennis, Rahmirayah Henderson, Jasmir Womack and sisters Jamia Davis and Jonyea Bell.
It was an attack "for fun," according to police. Authorities say a group of girls, ages 16 and 17, punched and kicked the 48-year-old mentally challenged woman as she was sitting in front of her home.
The victim then tried to get back inside, but police say the girls followed her, continuing the attack that lasted about a minute and a half.
During the attack, the teens could be heard laughing and screaming obscenities while the victim screamed for them to stop.
Police say the incident happened earlier this week and was recorded on one of the suspects' cell phones, then posted on Facebook.
The victim did not come forward to police, but she has now received medical attention. Police say her physical injuries were not serious.
"It's just unbearable and we won't tolerate this," Chester Mayor John Linder said.
Dr. Sara Corse from the Council for Relationships say the girls may have acted the way they did due to low self-esteem.
"It seems they're going for some kind of larger status in whatever social network they're posting that in to.
The girls in custody are charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, burglary, and harassment. They are being held in lieu of $50,000 bail each. Investigators said they will be charged as adults.
