Nun Beaten, Raped In Aliquippa Testifies Against Alleged Attacker
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- An 85-year-old nun took the witness stand today, still recovering from her injuries after authorities say she was attacked, beaten and sexually assaulted earlier this month in Beaver County.
Her head is still bandaged and she wears a sling to hold her dislocated jaw. Around her neck hangs a cross.
She told the court she was on her way to 11:30 Mass at St. Titus Parish in Aliquippa when she stopped at the recycle bin and saw a young man who, smiling, asked if he could help her.
Police identify the man as 18-year-old Andrew Bullock. But police say he had no intention of helping.
She testified she told Bullock, "Thank you very much, that's kind of you." But minutes later, the victim testified, "I knew I was in trouble."
"Obviously, this is a horrific case," said Beaver County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Popovich. "Religious, as well as the elderly are populations you never think this type of crime will come to."
The victim told the court: "He socked me in the jaw. I couldn't scream anymore. I thought I'm going to die. He's screaming at me, squeezing my jaw."
She described for the court how he sexually assaulted her. Shortly after, she said she blacked out.
"She's a very strong woman," said Popovich.
The defense acknowledged that Bullock told police he hit the victim, but argued there was no evidence presented he was the person responsible for the sexual assault. The victim did not identify who was responsible for her attack.
"We, as the defense, understand the emotional impact," said Ron Rojos, the defense attorney. "We think that some of the facts that were reported previously in this case did not or were not established in the hearing specifically today, particularly with regard to the identification or lack thereof of my client."
RELATED LINKS:
1 Arrested After Nun Hospitalized Following Assault And Rape (12/13/13)
More Reports by Lynne Hayes-Freeland
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