A case that shocked the small community of Reddickin the state of Florida, it has reached its judicial outcome. Jesse Stonea 14 -year -old teenager was sentenced to 25 years in prison After being convicted of the violation and aggression of a 91 -year -old woman in her own home. As reported Fox News, In addition to the conviction, the young man must serve 30 years of probation as Sexual offenderregister as sexual aggressor and participate in anger management programs.
The attack occurred when the victim, resident of Reddick, a town with less than 500 inhabitants, woke up in the middle of the night hearing noises in his home. As detailed Miami Herald, The woman saw a dark figure approaching her room. The intruder, later identified as Stone repeatedly hit her on the face before sexually assaulting her. The victim, who tried to defend himself and prayed for help, the hospital was treated for multiple bruises and injuries for which he needed a cervical necklace.
According to Miami Heraldthe investigation began the day after the attack, when the authorities initiated an operation in the area. During this process, Stone approached the agents by bicycle and told them that a neighbor had something to show them. In the recordings of the neighbor’s security cameras, the researchers observed a person running with clothes similar to the one Stone wore at that time.
With the consent of the young man’s grandmother, who was his legal tutor, the agents took DNA samples of Stone. As reported Fox Newsthese tests coincided with the genetic material found in the victim’s underwear. Subsequently, The teenager was arrested at his high school. During the interrogations, Stone admitted to having illegally entered the Women’s House, having seen pornography in his electronic device and having assaulted her in her bedroom.
The news of the attack generated a Deep shock in Reddicka quiet community located about 22 kilometers north of Ocala. As stated Miami Heraldhe Marion County Sheriff Billy Woodsoffered a reward of $ 5,000 for information that led to the arrest of the person responsible. The identity of the aggressor, a young man of only 14 years at the time of crime, surprised the residents and the authorities.
The victim, who had described Stone as a “Good boy” During a conversation they had the day before the attack, he never imagined that he would be attacked by someone he knew. According to reports, the adolescent had no previous criminal record, which led his defense lawyer, Jonathan Millsto request clemency during the trial.
During the judicial process, Stone’s defense argued that the young man had had a difficult childhood, marked by the absence of their parents and an addiction to pornography. As reported Fox News, The defense lawyer stressed that the adolescent’s brain was not yet fully developed and that, due to his young age, he could benefit from rehabilitation programs instead of a conviction in the adult penitentiary system.
“Mr. Stone had no criminal record,” said Mills, according to the media. “Your brain is far from being fully developedand there are probably at least 10 years for that to happen. ” However, the judge Lisa Herndon He rejected the request to apply youth sanctions or alternative measures, arguing that the facts were too serious. “His actions are atrocious, and the victim in this case is lucky to be alive,” Herndon said during the audience, he said Fox News. The judge stressed that, although the case was tragic for both families, the severity of the crime required a severe sentence.
In addition to the 25 -year prison sentence, Stone must serve 30 years of probation Under supervision as a sexual offender, which implies significant restrictions in his life once he is released. Also You must register in a registry of sexual aggressors and participate in anger management programs, as detailed Fox News.
The teenager has a period of 30 days to appeal the sentence, although so far it has not been informed if his defense plans to do so. During the audience, Stone remained silentlistening to the words of the judge and nodding occasionally, as reported Miami Herald.
The judge Herndon He emphasized that, although the defendant’s youth was a factor to consider, the violent nature of the crime and the impact on the victim justified the decision to process it as an adult. “There has to be a punishment, but also a rehabilitation element that will not obtain in the state prison system as a 14 -year -old sexual offender,” the defense said, without success.
