Police told WPVII-TV that six suspects aged between 11 and 14 were taken into custody in connection to the brutal beating of a Philadelphia woman late last month.
According to police, five of six suspects were released by the station. The sixth suspect, a 14-year-old female, was taken into custody at her residence. There are eight total suspects.
WPVI was informed by investigators that a warrant has been issued for another 14-year-old female. Authorities are still trying to find a juvenile male suspect.
According to the department, several individuals attacked a 33-year-old woman at 15th Street and Chestnut Streets shortly after 7 p.m. on February 23.
Police say the attackers knocked down the woman and then continued punching and stomping her until she fell unconscious. It was an aggravated assault, according to police.
Surveillance video captured a portion of the attack, while images of all eight suspects were also captured.
According to police, the victim sustained injuries to her head and face. She was taken to Jefferson Hospital with her injuries.
Police reported that seven of eight suspects have been identified. They asked the public for help to identify the eighth suspect.
Wanted: Suspects for Aggravated Assault in the 9th District [VIDEO] https://t.co/JIgaStqjcr pic.twitter.com/hRCsZ0gwIk
— Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) March 7, 2023
Police added that if you see a suspect, contact 911 immediately instead of physically approaching.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial or text 215-686-TIPS (8477), police said, adding that all tips will be confidential. You also can use this electronic form to submit a tip anonymously, police said. If you have any information about this crime or these suspects, contact Det. R. Williams (DC 23-09-006668) at 215-686-3093/3094.
The victim of the attack spoke to WPVI but didn’t want to give her name or show her face; she told the station that while nothing tangible was stolen from her, her peace of mind was taken away.
She said that eight children would “completely take away any kind of comfort I feel walking down the street,” she explained to the station.
WPVI was informed by her that it was “not even dark yet” and that many people were present when the attack occurred. But those people “just kept walking until I was unconscious which I don’t recall.”
The woman warned others by saying: “I want everyone to be really careful, like walking around. Things like this shouldn’t happen. It doesn’t have to be like this.”
WPVI also sent a message to her attackers. She said, “This doesn’t have to be my life. While I am all for second chances, it shouldn’t be something you feel comfortable doing and high-fiving friends afterward. It’s possible to change and do something positive, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
William Corse, the victim’s father and a long-time physician in suburban Philadelphia, said to WTXF-TV that someone tapped her on her shoulder and she turned around. They then smacked her head on the head. She fell and was stomped on. Corse said that his daughter had suffered extensive bruising and a fractured orbital bone.
Dr. Corse stated to WTXF that this behavior is not typical of juvenile delinquents. “I don’t know if they enjoy violence, but this behavior seems subhuman.”
