Tribune photo by JAY NOLAN
A library patron walks past a book drop box outside the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library on Friday afternoon. A high school student was attacked while returning books at the after-hours depository on Thursday night.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: April 25, 2008
Updated: 04/25/2008 11:34 pm
VALRICO - Investigators, armed with a search warrant, are looking tonight for a suspect in the rape and beating of a high school student who was dropping off books at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's chief deputy Jose Docobo said after 11 p.m. that a judge had just signed a search warrant and that deputies were looking for a man they had spoken to earlier in the day but had not at the time considered a suspect.
"We have confidence that we can get our hands on him," he said.
Docobo said deputies found the victim's purse in a wooded area immediately west of where the attack occurred. Items it contained were found scattered around. The evidence was airlifted away to be analyzed.
Public Works crews were called in to cut away some of the vegetation so that deputies could search more easily, he said.
The victim is clinging to life at Tampa General Hospital, unconscious and unable to tell her story. Docobo said it was hard to determine if her injuries came from a weapon.
"We have virtually nothing to go on in terms of direct information from the victim," said Docobo, who said a sense of personal obligation prompted him to visit the girl's family at the hospital today.
"They are beside themselves," Docobo said of the parents. "I assured them we will do everything we can to solve this for them."
The victim arrived at the library in a white Toyota RAV4 sport utility vehicle Thursday night to drop off books in the after-hours depository, sheriff's spokesman J.D. Callaway said.
She was talking on her cell phone to a female friend and mentioned there was a "weird" man sitting on a bench nearby, he said. The friend then heard the teenager scream, and the call was lost.
The girl's family and friends rushed to the library and found the victim about 200 feet from her car, Callaway said. A 911 call was placed at 11:43 p.m.
The victim was unconscious, and she had several broken bones in her face, Callaway said. She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
The victim is originally from Baltimore, according to a family friend. She turned 18 on April 22 and is a student-athlete at a local high school who is planning to attend the University of Florida.
The sheriff's office has released a portion of the 911 call in which the friend can be heard shrieking as she describes for an operator what happened.
"My friend came to the library to drop off books," the voice said. "There was a weird guy here, but she still got out of her car … All I heard was screaming and the phone got disconnected and we drove up here because I was worried. … Her car was here with emergency lights and there's blood all over the floor!"
The friend told the operator that it had been about 20 minutes since she lost contact with the victim. She saw the victim's cell phone on the Toyota's floor. It was ringing, but no one touched it, she said.
Before losing the call, the victim's friend heard a dinging sound, possibly a car-door chime, Docobo said. It is unclear whether the victim stepped out of her vehicle before the incident or if she was pulled out, Docobo said.
By early this afternoon, investigators had taped off the drive-through in front of the library and expanded their search to the fields north of the library with deputies on their hands and knees are searching the field.
About 100 deputies, ranging from cadets to a dive team to motorcycle patrol officers, took part in the search for the attacker or any evidence.
"This is a significant drain on our resources," Docobo said.
He said from about 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., deputies will set up units along Bloomingdale Avenue to stop people and see whether anyone has any information.
Deputies have interviewed every neighbor within a half-mile radius of the library and knocked on the doors of registered sex offenders living in the area, he said.
"We have to believe someone in the public may have seen an individual wandering in the area," Docobo said.
Bill Gray, who lives near the library, said everyone he has talked to is horrified.
"It's real scary," he said.
Gray's wife, Lisa, works at a nearby Wal-Mart and often is at the store early in the morning when it's still dark. "It makes you wonder with all the empty houses around what that does to the crime in the area," Bill Gray said.
Thursday night's search and the continued activity today frightened Betty Austin. Austin was staying at her boyfriend's home on Blowing Oak Street Thursday night and watched the searchers. Detectives were on the scene until 4 a.m. this morning collecting evidence.
"The helicopter was here late," she said. "I was scared. I think it was a totally random attack. That's late to be sitting on a bench."
Regina Fox also lives in the neighborhood. "I told my granddaughter how a simple thing can go bad," she said.
Fox wondered whether the girl was dropping off a book at night because the book depository is closed during normal library hours.
"We use the library continually, and it's hard to get in and out just to return a book," Fox said. She said she now goes to the library before it opens so she can use the book depository and doesn't have to park and go inside.
People in surrounding communities were also disturbed by the attack.
Vicki Inganmort was taking no chances she said after hearing about the high school student being attacked.
"I walked my dogs with a can of mace in my pocket this morning," she said. "I was really devastated, freaked out. It is pathetic that this could happen."
The library, which opened in 2005, is considered a safe place by residents.
"That place is so beautiful," said Mary Daschke of Valrico. "You would never think of someone hanging out there to do something like that."
The attack seemed out-of-place for the suburban community, one resident said.
"It used to be that when you heard about bad things happening, it was so far away that it seemed like it was in outer space," said Kathy Urscheler of Valrico. "Bad things are getting closer and closer to home. It is getting really scary."
Urscheler said her thoughts went out to the victim's parents.
"I can't imagine what they are going through," she said, adding that her own daughters were grown and gone.
"Who would have thought to be afraid of letting your daughter go to the library?" she asked. "In our day, we would let them walk to the library by themselves."
The fact that the victim was talking on her cell phone may have made her especially vulnerable, retired FBI profiler Joe Navarro said.
People are distracted driving and talking on cell phones and even more distracted walking, Navarro said. "This is something definitely that predators look for, when you're weak," Navarro said. "You're weak carrying packages in your hand. Usually, you're holding your cell phone in your strongest hand. This is like a welcome sign for predators."
Navarro said this is a phenomenon that law enforcement first noticed about 10 years ago. Predators keep an eye out for people who lack situational awareness. To predators, potential victims walking and talking on the phone are "a welcome delight."
The victim did not attend Bloomingdale High School, but because the attack happened next door the Hillsborough County School District sent a letter to parents home with students explaining the situation, spokesman Steve Hegarty said.
Hegarty said that the team that counsels students and staff after a crisis was placed on standby early this morning. He was unsure whether it had been dispatched to the high school.
"They already have counselors there, and that's the first line," he said. "That's the way we handle it. If they need help, the crisis team is sent out."
The library sits in a relatively isolated area with fields on two sides and no surveillance cameras outside.
Joe Stines, director of Hillsborough County Public Library services, was shaken by the news.
"We've never had an incident like this at our libraries," he said. "It's unimaginable. I'm speechless. We're so sad for her and her family."
Stines said all the lights were working Thursday night. "It's the most lighting we could offer based on neighborhood rules," he said.
The library was open today and patrons wandered up the walkway to the doors with books in their arms and worried looks on their faces.
"They should have security. It's horrible," said Romana Ferrari, who came to this branch of the library for the first time today for a nutrition workshop. "You have to have security everywhere – whatever they can do to prevent this from happening again."
Docobo said detectives did interview a woman who said she was accosted shortly before the library attack, but that her incident did not appear to be connected to this case.
He said her account of events was "substantially different" than what had been told to a reporter.
Detectives hope somebody saw something or heard something that will help them catch the attacker, sheriff's Maj. Paul Davis said.
"We just need anybody to call. Rumors, talks, we'll look at everything," Davis said.
Anyone with information should call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
Tribune reporters Liz Bleau, Keith Morelli and Elaine Silvestrini and News Channel 8 reporters Chip Osowski and Jeff Patterson contributed to this report.
Reader Comments
Posted by ( whasup ) on April 25, 2008 at 5:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
That poor girl. I hope she makes a complete recovery and they find the criminal that did this. This particular story really angers me. The sorry POSattacker probably never read a book in his life much less be responsible enough to return one to the library. God Bless her.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( TJ8 ) on April 25, 2008 at 5:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I go to this library and always use the drive up to drop books off especially if it's dark. Did she not do this? I hope the girl will be ok and that the jerk is found and gets put away. My prayers are with the girl and her family.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( jbsteel ) on April 25, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What in the world is happening in this country. This is sickening. These f'ing scumbags are taking over the streets. I hope they find this individual who did this heineous crime and put a bullet in his head.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SwampRunner ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:01 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by ( Cracker122049 ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:07 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jbsteel
I totally agree with you A bullet in the head and two in the chest for good measure and the perp has been completely rehabilitated!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ditto jbsteel. If it would have been me that he tried to attack he would have recieved a bullet in the head. Everyone needs to have some form of protection with them at all times. If they can't have a gun then get some pepper spray or a stun gun.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( msgmkr ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hopefully, there are security camera's posted. Who would think such a thing would be necessary at a library book drop? What's this world coming to?
I hope and pray this young girl is able to recover and move forward without lasting damage.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Dawg_In_Tampa ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with all of you. This POS needs to be throw under the jail. He must be a real sick individual to do something like that to a teenage girl. I hope that everyone who lives in that area and is able to exercise their second ammendment rights, does so.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( embella13 ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
OMG! I Live right by here...
I know people are thinking " why would she walk here after dark and after seeing someone sitting there..."
SCHEDULES!!! Our kids have crazy schedules...and only when something tragic like this happens do we realize how much tress we impose on our youth. Its very sad. I hope for a speedy recovery and a quick capture of the monster that did this.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Longball ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Some people still believe carrying a weapon is a bad idea. I have a 20 year old and she has a CW permit. She packs a .32 auto and she has been trained on how to use it. I hope she never has to use it.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( thelady ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's a sad day when you've got to fear for your life at the public library-even if it is after dark! It just goes to show all the creepy things & people STILL come out at night no matter where you live.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( savagenation ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maniacs.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 2ndAmendment ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is incomprehensible to me.. what in the world happened? why? do you now need an armed body guard to drop off library books? incredible! it seems like you have to be constantly aware of your surroundings and trust no one.. all of you law abiding citizens out there: arm yourselves and be prepared to defend yourselves.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( xenuownstbo_com ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hope this attacker is found guilty by a jury of his peers for all you people who are saying he is guilty.
I then hope he is sent to prison and rehabilitated. There he can get 3 square meals a day and air conditioning, which he could not get in the real world because of George Bush.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( rjp ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
All of the comments have a common theme of how important it is now to defend/protect ourselves. I read them here every day, why aren't the lawmakers listening?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DarthMandingo ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
TJ8..not all libraries have it where you can just drive up..The 2 libraries that are closest to me don't and I hate having to drop off books at either one...I just make the trip to the downtown library, especially if it's night..as unfortunate as this is, maybe NOW drive up bookdrops will be at ALL the libraries...I hope she makes it through and doesn't remember what's happened to her.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo_com
You are a complete IDIOT!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Yankee ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I pray this child will make it through and that the person who attacked her gets caught.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( MARJORIEBLAIR ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was outside cleaning patio furniture because I am moving today and my 12 year old daughter was with me, we live about 1/2 mile if that from the crime sceen and my daughter said mommy did you hear that scream a girl just screemed and I have never heard a screem like that, what was it.. and she ran into the house. I didnt hear the scream because I was running water and scrubing. I feel so bad for not acting on what she heard. I wish I would of done something I didnt know until I woke up this morning and turned the tv on the the first story that came up was this one. I will pray for the family and the girl.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SANDY1 ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If and when he gets caught,what's the chance you look and he's already been in jail before!!!and let go because of some soft hearted liberal judge,,bet he's got a rap sheet!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DSandow ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I live close to the Library myself, and yes, this is a heinous act. But, please remember that in posting comments, there should not be "hate" language. Suggesting such things as a "hangman's noose" is hateful language. How about we find the individual who committed this act, he receives a trial and is then sentenced. Isn't that still how our system works?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Denise77 ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I go to this library and it does have a drive up book drop off. They even show a picture of it. It's crazy.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( kimbo ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Teach kids to shoot handguns, be reasonable people and protect all the chickens, bleeding hearts, stupid people who think others need to look out for them. bring back firearm education to schools and homes.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Once they find this POS, hang him high and leave him swinging as a deterrent to anyone else who may be thinking about doing something similiar. Godspeed for this poor girl's quick recovery.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 1voice ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What a POS. Don't know the answer but dang (hows that TBO?) this is out of control. We gotta start making examples of these miscreants. As a side note who wants to bet we'll see posts by some buffoons blaming G. Bush or the republicans instead of the trash that perpetrate these heinous deeds?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( crimson22 ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You're right dsandow no hate.....well I say castrate that sob, drive nails under his fingernails and then fry him.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Longball ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo - dude, dont let the demons creep in, it will cause you to do bad things. So, take the meds bro they will help you sleep.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( GF ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
1voice, Too late, see post above by xenuownstbo_com.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( dobefan ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DSandow...bet you want to be an attorney when you grow up!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Bad_Krusty ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is beyond vile. I can only hope that the &%$@*@$# that did this goes to prison for the rest of his life, all the while being a rag doll for a large cellmate.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DSandow...you are delusional! Our "system" doesn't work at all! Thats why things like "hangman's noose" is brought up. There is nothing hateful about it.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( gmoney01 ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I live near this library, and it does have a drive-up bookdrop. I may be missing it, but I don't think the story indicates that she walked up to the bookdrop. She could have been in her car and still attacked. This is just heartbreaking!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Mr_Peabody ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DSandow - you are correct, and if we were dealing with a fellow human being, I would be in support of your statement that we should not use "hate" language - however, we aer dealing with a sub-human predator, and I believe that as soon as the evidence is clear and the creature that committed this crime is identified and captured, that it should be destroyed as quickly and as inhumanely as possible - there is no place in our society for these monsters - they cannot be rehabilitated, and I am tired of paying taxes to keep them locked away from the rest of us - I would be willing to spend my tax money on tenting and gassing the entire prison system if the justice system could get the conviction process right...
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( AngryKreyon ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am tired of these monsters destroying the Innocence of the young!
I for one will not be satisfied with this monster getting a slap on the wrist for this crime (which is how the system works DSandow, if she were a Dog, then he would get a harsher sentance!)
So Hate is all there is!
if I find him I will DESTROY him! bottom line, he has lost the right to breath the same Air as the rest of us! and needs to be removed from the planet!
I am sure this person has been locked up before and this will be just another stint in a Jail where he will learn more destructive ways and then be released to do more damage, This is unAcceptable!
Everyone trying to be politicaly correct is ruining our country and killing our children, get realistic and start taking out the trash and cleaning up the planet.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Mrs_Teacher ) on April 25, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I returned from a job interview this morning at the high school RIGHT NEXT TO the crime scene. This girl could potentially be my student next year. I am a member of the community and a neighbor to the library where my teenaged brothers used to study. It hurts to know that in communities like Valrico, where folks go to raise their children in peace and tranquility, scumbags are lurking to hurt the very population I've dedicated my life to serving: teenage kids with nothing but the future before them. I hope the hedonist SOB suffers eternally (on Earth and beyond) for this heinous crime.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( odessacj ) on April 25, 2008 at 9 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with DSandow, we should follow the due process of the law. He gets a public defender, jury of his peers, fair trial, guilty verdict, death sentence and then a ride on "Old Sparky".... and that entire process should take about a month from start to finish.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Craig328 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
MARJORIEBLAIR, you were cleaning patio furniture with your 12 year old at 20 til 11 PM? And your daughter heard a scream from a half mile away? Over the sound of running water and the vehicular traffic in between?
Some folk will say nearly anything to be noticed.
I'm sorry for what happened to the victim. It's a shame that while she was entrusted to drive a vehicle by herself at night, she wasn't entrusted enough to have something to protect herself with. I hope they catch the perp and he "resists arrest".
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( pokethefire ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I sure hope they catch this guy! I wish they had security cameras outside the library - first the spray painting a year-ish ago and now this. Hopefully she'll give a good description and this guy can get what's coming to him!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( gmoney01 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Craig328...I thought the same thing about why MARJORIEBLAIR's daughter would be up so late, but she did say they were moving today and perhaps they were scrambling to get everything packed. I don't understand why people feel it's necessary to put other people down. Perhaps to make themselves feel better? Isn't the issue here what this scum bag did to the teenager at the library?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( MARJORIEBLAIR ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yes I was outside cleaning patio furniture with my daughter at 10:40. If you would of read the comment, we are moving today and I was doing the cleaning not her. We do everything together and if more people would spend time with there children it would be a better world. And I do not need to be notice and how would this get me noticed your just as sick as the person who did this obviously. And yes she did hear the scream I dont think she would make it up and if you saw the horror on her face she had no clue what had just happend and neither did I until this morning. And at 10:40 there isnt that much traffic on Bloomingdale. So why dont you do some praying for yourself and I will also.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Old_FL_Crab ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
If he's properly identified, a few of us could put the perp into one of the book drops. I know, I know, the slot is a little small, but we could work something out.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Jester47 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The problem DSandow is that our system in broken and the power to influence change has been overridden by special interest groups and lobbyist. You have people calling out for bullets and hang men’s nooses because they see a system that as completely failed. Sex crime offenders are released from jail back into our community only to repeat again time after time. Most of their issue is psychical to which I am sorry to say there is NO proven reliable treatment or cure.
Do I feel like abit of a yahoo when I find myself agreeing with these folks, sure I do. But what is the real world option? Keep these offenders locked where it cost more to keep them than what we pay our teacher and Fireman? What is the answer, I don’t know that we have one, but our children must to protected.
Yahoo………….
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Teena ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sorry for the girl!!!
HE must be really fast to have beat her rape her and rob her before help came!
He is probably one of the sexual predators some attorney fought for his rights to be let back out into society again.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( djtomr941 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This ticks me off to no ends. I see the lynch mob mentality and I have it too. I used to live right there and I went to that High School. I am disgusted.
After they find the guy, AND HE IS PROVEN GUILTY, I hope he gets everything that is coming to him. They hate rapists in jail. Turn him loose and let destiny decide his fate. I will tell you this, it won't take long.
If I were to suspect, I would say this person who did this was person who did this was probably jacked up on meth or coke. These people are messed up to begin with and the drugs is just enough to push them over the edge and make them do something crazy.
And can you believe people want to legalize drugs? No Thanks.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Desmo ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This story makes me want to puke. It's a sad world when someone can't return some library books in the evening without wondering if they'll be killed.
My thoughts are with that poor girl and her family, what a long, long road ahead she has.
On another note, I've noticed people have a sense of security while on their cell phones, as if the person they are talking to is right there with them. DON'T!!! Just because you have contact with someone on the phone doesn't make you exempt from this type of thing.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Old_FL_Crab ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
@Jester47, We 'folks' welcome you to OUR side. It's safer here. YaHoooo!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( djtomr941 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jester47,
Why don't we ship all these sexual predators to a remote island somewhere. Somewhere where they can all rape eachother and live off coconuts and fish. Let the sun beat down on them every day. Once there, it won't cost the taxpayers anything and we won't have to worry about reintroducing them back to society.
I know... easier said than done :)
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ifonly ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with most of the postings here, being a parent to a young daughter this type of situation really gets under my skin. This individual should be taken care of in the same fashion in which he commited his crime. This poor girls life is forever ruined, mentally and physically. For all parents out there that have young ladies invest in self defense training, it works!!! Trust me. My little girl about broke a boys hand last week for slapping her on the back side. And she is only 10, train them to be confident and stand up to anyone in any situation and they will always come home to you safe. Perfect example... a young woman in Miami a few years ago was out jogging and two men in a car rode up next to her and jumped out and tried to attack her, little did they know she was a black belt in karate and it landed both of them in the hospital, in critical care. I am thankful that we were given the opportunity to invest in such a program and think it should become part of a schools curriculum to teach the basics of self defense and the knowledge of knowing when you are being bullied. My heart goes out to this young ladies family and herself, such a tragedy.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on April 25, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Old_FL_Crab ...Count me in!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ufbull ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Right down the road from my house ... brutal ! I hope the scum that did this is caught fast !!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Mr_Peabody ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Old_FL_Crab - you have another volunteer!
That's what a real community spirit is all about - working together to achieve a common goal - and stuffing this creep through an 8-inch slot seems like a very worthy endeavor!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( xenuownstbo_com ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Guys, calm down, I was just posting what some idiots were going to post about this story. I think you should string him up by his balls. Execute him and move on. I am sure this guy had priors, and I am sure he was out because of some idiot judge.
We need judges that follow the law! Bleeding Hearts are not needed.
Every day it is the same comments on here, and the lawmakers continue to not listen to the people.
Charlie Crist, I hope you read this, and decide to get back to your Chain Gang days!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( lstgrps ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Some libraries' drive up drop boxes are locked at certain times. It is a big pain. I have two babies and in order to drop books at the libraries close to me I have to park, unload both kids and the books go 5 feet inside the door to drop them off, then go reload all the kids in their carseats. Libraries should have working useable drive up drop boxes 24 hours. I believe Bloomingdale library does after library hours so I wonder why the teen did not just drive up.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ebgirl4 ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I COMPLETELY agree with you, AngryKreyon, this person has given up his right to even exist amongst the rest of us. I can't even describe over the internet what I would like to see done to him. Jail time does not fit this crime, he needs to suffer. If he does go to jail though, I hope a group of hardened criminals find out what he's done and take matters into their own hands. I, for one, can honestly say that if the police catch him and he "puts up a fight and winds up dead" I will not be complaining. I hope there were video cameras at the scene of the crime so his face can be on posters all over town.
I am just thankful that she was on the phone with her friend because who knows when they would have found her otherwise. God bless her and everyone should be praying for her.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo_com - Sorry, but I'm not buying it. Looks to me like you're back-pedaling from what has to be the stupidest post I've ever read here, and that's saying something.
This guy needs to be found and strung up ASAP (not you xenuownstbo_com, we'll deal with you later) - there's no room in society for piece of garbage like this. Anyone who attacks someone (child or adult alike) in this manner can't be allowed to destroy the lives of others, and shouldn't be allowed to walk amongst them......
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Mrs_Teacher ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You guys have said it all. I am proud to join the yahoos. My parents (3 out of the 4 of them) are attorneys - one is a public defender. She has denied cases like the one this scuzz-ball will have because she wants him in jail as badly as the prosecution. The system is insanely flawed, but as one post pointed out, he will receive his due process IN JAIL, where the street mentality will overcome the other prisoners and he will be punished for raping a young girl (probably by enduring his own form of physical abuse...catch my drift?) It isn't perfect, and yes, the cycle of violence is sick, but that leads me to think that maybe the Greeks of yore had the right idea by "euthenizing" those who were unfit for society....
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( johnboy ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think Rape and crime's against children,should carry DEATH.Anybody that would rape someone,or harm a child are sick and can't be fixxed,and don't deserve to live, WHAT IN THE HELL IS GOING ON IN THEIR MIND? The Sick S.O.B should Die. Hope the girl will be o.k. I hope they get him before he does it again. PEOPLE PROTECT YOUR BABY'S......
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( mailman ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
As I have stated in other posts, let the punishment fit the crime! If you are found guilty and your method of assault was beating the sheite out of someone with a baseball bat, then so be it. In this case, the girls father should be the messenger of justice for the beating part and a large, sexually stimulated inmate takes care of the rest.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( phil ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
DEATH to the person who committed this crime!!....death to all who attack our kids...
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( tbochecker ) on April 25, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm sure this has been brought up befor but could someone at the news station please remind Gayle Guyardo not to smile when she's reporting on stories such as this. I know as a reporter you probably read without really letting it "sink in" but please...
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yeah, I like it better when Gayle gets all frowny and serious! Grrrrr BABY, grr!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Budbkind2u ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"which he could not get in the real world because of George Bush."
Yeah, yeah, yeah, and it is bush's fault this girl got hurt, and it is all his fault the cops are still selling drugs, the teachers are having sex with the kids, and we're talking about taking $1,000,000,000.00 from the schools, and it's his fault we have to pay 1/2 what the Europeans pay for a gal. of gas................
It must also be he's fault we have a 30 year old faled war on drugs, and that the laws made long before he was in office don't work, of course we must blame him for the fact there is only 24 hrs in a day, and we only have one moon, and it HAS to be all his fault the sun hurts your eyes if you stare at it. It is also his fault I can't spell right?
If anyone is to blame, it's you and me, for letting the country go to s!!t, for not killing off the ones we don't need, and for wasting the hundreds of billons of dollars to house and feed the ones we see as unfit to be free.
If they are unfit to be with you or I, then why should you and I pay for everything they want or need? Why waste the time and money to house them? just kill them off, the world would be a better place.
till then everyone should have a CW, and be armed, lets face it if an attacker knows you'll have a gun, then they will think twice about attacking you, that is FACT!!
Hello people it's 2008, most of our laws are outdated, and so is the punshment, It's long past time to do something else, to try something new, or even try something old, to make a change, how ever you want to say it.
If this had happend 100 years go, there would be no need for the cops, there would be a mob formed, and the attacker would already be dead. Yet for this to happen today, the ones in the mob would go to jail, yeah we have come soooooo far.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( suemccartin ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
People need to be more aware of their surroundings and pay more attention to what's going on around them. I would never walk out into a dark parking lot with someone sitting in easy range and I definetly would not stand there and talk on the cell phone. You make eye contact with strangers, you do your business and you leave, criminals are cowards, she looked like she was not paying attention and that was her downfall. It's the same kind of dirtbag that grabs purses out of old lady's shopping carts. She was not watching what was going on, did not stare him in the eyes and just painted a sign on her own back that said "here I am take me." The crime was wrong but she was also stupid. Nuff said.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( signit4bes ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
What do you wanna bet that it was NOT captured on video? Oh, but we've got red light cameras instead.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( scbrownsr ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
We need to catch this guy and get townfolk on him. Beat him with tools out the garage and drag him through the streets like a sack of potatoes. The people need to take back their neighborhoods since the police cant seem to do it.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( xenuownstbo_com ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Darth, i am not sure if you can, but please check any post I have made on here. I am of the opinion that we need to cut down the inmate population by killing the ones in there that have no worth to society.
You idiots do realize I was making fun of the liberal idiots who blame George Bush for everything. I think I may start putting that on every post.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ebgirl4 ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
suemccartin YOU are the stupid one here. I cannot believe you can even make a comment like that and not feel like the idiot you are. This girl is in no way to blame for the fact that we have trash on our streets because the law cannot keep them behind bars. Something like this should never happen. Bottom line. And looking the heinous @ss-hole in the face is NOT going to make him back down...it may even tick him off more that you got a good look at him so he will be sure to finish you off. When something like this happens to you or your children you will realize that nothing can be done to prevent this other than carrying a loaded gun or keeping these perverts off the streets. Keep your lame comments blaming this poor girl to yourself.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DarthRandall ) on April 25, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
ebgirl4 - Here here!
xenuownstbo_com - Well, my mistake, as well as others. If GF, 91stormvet and others didn't pick up on your sarcasm then it must not have been very sarcastic.......... Sorry if WE ALL read you wrong.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Budbkind2u ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo_com,
yea, sorry I miss read that too.....
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Desmo ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hate to think this but I have to wonder if we'll start seeing more of this creep into nicer neighborhoods due to the amount of foreclosure houses and debt filled investors renting their homes out to multiple people in one house. I've seen alot of craigslist ads for rooms for rent for about $100 a month in the surrounding neighborhoods lately. You can cram 10+ scumbags into a home you don't want to lose to pay your mortgage and I doubt any of these people are ever checked out.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( xenuownstbo_com ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My bad, didnt know there was a sarcasm button I needed to push. You do see idiots that post the same stuff I post, you don't think they really believe that stuff do they? Yikes, I really think they do.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SwampRunner ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Dsandow, I am sorry if my "Hate Speech" of using the term "Hangmans Noose" offended you. I guess the "Lethal Needle" would have been a better PC term to use for executing this POS. Yes he deserves a trial just we all do when faced with charges such as these, But when convicted beyond a doubt then Execute them! I am tired of these POS's getting out after relatively short sentences and then doing it again. Even when they recieve a long term sentence or even life we are stuck footing the bill for a POS that should not deserve to breath the same air as a decent human being. I have no sympathy for them what so ever! I save my sumpathy for those who desrve it like the victim or future victims when our sometimes weak system of justice lets them out.
Capitol punishment is not inhumane. What is inhumane is letting this person live while the victims suffer the rest of there lives from such a traumatic experience.
Again I am truly sorry if my "Hate Speech" offended you. Have a nice day!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( tgarrett ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
One more plus for an armed populus. The moral of this sad story: Do not put youself in harms way and if you must, be prepared to use deadly force. Be sure and get a concealed weapon permit and then practice and carry.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( sugarbunny ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I work at a library and you wouldn't believe the amount of sketchy people that come in. If I have to leave work when it's late out I make sure to have my mace and my keys and cell phone out just in case. I work with the computers at the library and theres a lot of people I catch looking at porn and they just look like child mollestors and rapists and a lot of times they make inappropraite comments to me or they'll write me notes with their numbers adn leave it on my desk. I get really worried working at the library and my boyfriend feels the same way, you have to be careful working with patrons because you don't know what they are thinking, if they'll snap and what they are capable of. The library has become a haven for people who have all kinds of problems. I definately do not suggest using the drive thru book drops at night by yourself especially women, it's just not safe any more! It's better to just pay the ten cent late fee than be attacked like this poor girl. It's sad but the library isn't a safe place, so parents too should think twice before sending their kids off alone to the library whether it's open or closed the library can be dangerous as it is a hang out for many a weird person. I mean there are a lot of men between the ages of 35-65 that come in here regularly and spend the whole day in the library, they are usually the ones looking at dirty sites on the computer... makes you wonder why don't they have jobs? Also any time you are in a parking lot at night you have to be on guard. So just as a warning to everyone just because you think you are at a safe place always stay alert and try not to be alone.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( politicalmike ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Anyone know if the book she was returning was overdue?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( GF ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo_com, Color me idiot too. I've re-read your first post, and I still don't see the sarcasm, for which I think I have a fairly good eye for.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( c21kims ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
omg MarjorieBlair....how could you have not heard the helicopters? I thought they were going to land in my front yard! And your daughter was visibly shaken and you blew it off?
From what I could tell from the news pix this morning, the girl WAS in her car at the book drop...they were showing pictures being taken of her car in front of it so obviously she just didn't have her doors locked.
Which makes me think....why would she be out so late, alone & not have her doors locked? Especially after making the comment that there was a strange guy on the bench? The bench isn't THAT close to the book drop so she must have been taking her time dropping them....
Her friend heard her scream & the phone went dead...instead of immeadiately dialing 911, she called her family & they went looking for her?
This whole thing has me so sick to my stomach...that poor girl...and less than a month from graduation.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( tiredofitall ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have a problem with the ex FBI profiler saying that her talking on the phone made her more vulnerable. I happen to think her talking on the phone, to her friend, telling her friend about a strange person, saved her life. Had she not been talking she may have layed there and died. Thank god for the quick actions of her friend. I pray she recovers quickly, physically. I am not so sure emotionally she will ever fully recover. She and her family and friends are in my thoughts today.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( AgonyAngel ) on April 25, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is hideous. And what makes me even MORE sick is that the world continues to exhibit women as SEX figures. "Lingerie Football", morning shows on the radio that do nothing but talk about "sex" and "T!ts" and "how much you can get" or a pill that "makes you ABLE to get as much as you can get".......this world has gone straight down. I think WOMEN should be LEGALLY permitted to carry small guns to shoot freaks like this dude....since it is obviously 100% legal to live in a world full of sexist SMUT. Men, women and young teens are led to believe that the world revolves around getting into someone's pants. I blame society sometimes for people becoming sexually demented - and maybe I shouldn't - but everywhere you turn there is SEX. TV, radio, books, school, work.....it's really kind of sad. For people who are screwed up in the head and unable to maintain decency like this buttclown, it can go too far and cause innocent people to get hurt. It just makes me sad. I'm not trying to push my opinion off on you guys...I could just go on and on about this. This topic has always angered me SO bad. God bless this young girl.....God bless her heart. And sorry for being such a man-hating liberated person....but mankind and society has made me this way.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( lovemy2boys ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"The fact that the victim was talking on her cell phone may have made her especially vulnerable, according to retired FBI profiler Joe Navarro."
If i recall reading in the article it said she told her friend who she was talking to that there was a weird man sitting on the bench. So i'm guessing she wasnt distracted since she noticed him. And i think the fact that she was on the phone probably saved her life since her friend heard it happen and was able to get help right away. I hope she has a full recovery and they get this scum bag!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( flpeep ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Is she conscious now? Why no police sketch, or description? I pray for her full recovery and for his demise!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( shay50 ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I visit that library two and three times a week during the day. Twice I have seen men sitting on that bench that looked creepy, homeless. Not the type you normally see at a library. They made me feel very uncomfortable. I thought they might possibly be there to use the computers, but have never seen that type in the library. I am sure if they had been run off, someone would say their rights had been violated. I pray for that young girl and for her recovery.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Desmo ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with the police, put down your cell phone, pay attention to your surroundings and quit pretending your cell phone is a security device, it isn't. I've seen people completely obvlivious to their surroundings just chatting away, makes them easy targets, but they feel secure because they're talking to someone.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( kimbo ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wonder if her girl pals did this to make a internet video?
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DarthSilverstein ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:28 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
AngryKreyon - YES!! MY HERO... I'm with you.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Tanya_C ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I can agree that cell phones can be a distraction but she was actually aware of her surrondings hence telling her friend about the strange man on the bench. Being on the cell phone saved her life. She could have been there on the ground for a very long time hadn't the friend called her family of what she heard. This could have been a much worse ending to a tragic story.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( JamieKrueger ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
horrible tragedies like this happen everyday just 20 miles up hwy 60 but when something like this happens in a white/wealthy neighborhood we actually hear about it and see the police trying to find who did it.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( joeyg ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
BUDbKIND2U- I agree 100%.
This is so sad though. We need to pray for her, no doubt.
Something else too....I"m one of the most outspoken people on this site when it comes to criminals and my desire to be MUCH HARDER on them. But many of you are missing something. Crime rates are DOWN by 20-30% compared to back in the 80s, and almost in every single category. So it's not like things are getting worse, although the more we watch the news and read the news the more it SEEMS like it's worse. It actually isn't. But I do think we need to get much toughter on them, and stop trying to be so politically correct.
It doesn't help when you have the liberals and civil rights nuts constantly looking over your shoulder, and all the people that blame law enforcement for using excessive force, et cetc. All that does is WEAKEN us and our efforts.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( jeaniney ) on April 25, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
There is no distinction in my mind between the rape of a child and the rape of a grown woman, to those who keep talking about how people who rape children are the scum of the earth. People who rape PERIOD are the scum of the earth. Also, this girl was 18 years old. Once you're legally old enough to star in porn you're not exactly a "child" anymore.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( supernanny80 ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is horrible! I'm speechless. I live about 5 minutes away from the library and can not imagine this happening there. This is so sad :(
My prayers go out to the girl and her family. I hope they catch that beast soon and burn him alive.
Libraries should have cameras from now on
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( fishon ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Be happy you got your property taxes lowered. Now we can't afford security cameras!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SAC70 ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If the bleeding heart liberals wont support killing him, I say we give him a gun and send him on a one-way/one-scum bag mission in Iraq!!!
Put this monster to work. He appears to not value life, so use that to our advantage vs. at our expense!!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( SAC70 ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sorry to those that I may have offended by not including provisions on the list of things to give him while on his mission. Of course we would want to consider his rights!!
Let's see Gun, food and water. Check! Strap on a chute and push him out the plane door! Good luck soldier!!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
xenuownstbo_com
I apoligize then, I did not comprehend your 1st post then. Please accept the fact that Bush played some jedi mind trick on me while trying to read your post. Again. My apologies for the IDIOT remark!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( 91stormvet ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
that is apologize...typo!
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( rpagan1 ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
freedomfighter,
Wow! I actually understood and agree with your comments. Well done. You're getting better.
My thoughts are with this poor girl and her family. When they find this dirtbag, I hope he's armed and resists arrest...no trial, let the cops deliver the sentence. Game over.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( stp308 ) on April 25, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
at what point are people going to get that all things start with us and the way we look at things! if you live in your own little world there are a lot of people out there are watching you and have no problem coming along picking you up and sticking strange thing in your backside. (small joke) let me put it another way.... most of us are sheep and there are wolfs out there just waiting for one of use to let our guard down. for some they will never learned how to keep out of trouble and those who do no one wants hear it from them. (not popular) it is up to us to change it one person at a time keeping the faith and passing it on to our kids..... ( sry getting off my soap box now!!!) lol
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( GIRL_PALS