Richmond Gang Rape Legislation Passed By Calif. State Assembly
published Wed, 27 Jan 2010 – 21:21:14 +0000 UTC2 Comments
SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Responding to the brutal gang rape of a minor in Richmond, California, Assemblymember Pedro Nava’s (D-Santa Barbara) ‘fast tracked’ legislation, Assembly Bill 984, the “Witness Responsibility Act,” which holds witnesses accountable for failing to report a rape or murder to authorities, passed from the State Assembly today on a bipartisan vote. The measure now goes to the State Senate for consideration.
Nava’s measure is similar to laws in Massachusetts, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Nevada.
“The bill would assist in the investigation of crimes and we thank you (Assemblymember Nava) for your efforts to protect innocent victims,” said Randy Perry representing Peace Officers Research Association of California.
“This vote sends a resounding message that it is not okay to just standby when someone is being violently brutalized. There is a problem with existing law when witnesses to a crime are not held accountable for something as simple as calling the police,” said Nava. “As a society, what kind of message are we sending when we say it is okay to stand by and watch a person being brutally victimized over and over again? I am very happy that the State Assembly sent a strong message today that everyone in the community is entitled to protection.”
Harriet Salarno, Chair, Crime Victims United of California said, “AB 984 removes a senseless provision that limits the reporting requirement by individuals witnessing violent crimes against victims to only those victims under the age of 14. In the case of the Richmond rape, had any one of the witnesses called the police, the two hour attack could have been halted much sooner. Victims of violent crime should be able to expect that regardless of one’s age, witnesses to their crimes will report the atrocities to law enforcement and provide the relevant information to assist in apprehending the victim’s attacker(s). We applaud Mr. Nava for his efforts in supporting victims’ rights.”
A 1999 California law makes it illegal to fail to report a witnessed rape, murder, or crime against a child under the age of 14, and is punishable as a misdemeanor with up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1500. Nava’s AB 984, the “Witness Responsibility Act,” will remove the victim’s age threshold that requires an observer to report violent crimes.
On October 24th, 2009, a young woman in Richmond, only 16 years old, left her high school dance to get a ride from her father when she joined some young men and began drinking with them. They soon began their assault. Several of the men beat her, robbed her, and began repeatedly raping her while people looked on without taking any action for 2 ½ hours.
Police believe there were up to 10 attackers and anywhere from 15 to 20 people stopping to watch. Additionally, authorities said people took photos, laughed and some joined in as the girl was repeatedly assaulted. People came and went and no one called the police. Because the victim was 16 at the time of the attack, law enforcement could not hold accountable the numerous witnesses to this brutal crime. They could not take them in for questioning.
“AB 984 closes this loophole, protecting innocent crime victims and gives law enforcement the ability to arrest and bring to justice perpetrators of violent crime, such as the Richmond rape case,” said Timothy Yaryan, Legislative Counsel to the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs.
ABOUT THE EDITOR: Valerie Gotten (aka Valerie G) is an abstract painter, former movie stand-in, and volunteers for "green events" to help raise awareness about global warming, and help preserve California's wilderness and natural beauty.
   
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Those that cheered on and encouraged the Richmond High rapists and created a supportive environment should be charged with aiding and abetting if they can be identified. Their despicable role in intimidating others from getting help should also not be overlooked.
Also, why hasn’t anyone been charged with the production and possession of child pornography? Reports indicate that the police may have confiscated digital evidence and even if it was only taken from the rapists, why haven’t any of them been charged? Charges were laid for the theft of the victims jewelry so one has to wonder why they haven’t pursued additional charges.
Hopefully they are just being careful and are working to bring charges to as many involved as they can. If not, the public needs to demand that they do.
Thank God the California legislature is willing to send a clear message to the imbiciles who watched a young woman get brutally beaten and raped, as if they were watching a video! It is still incredible to me that so many saw nothing wrong with standing by and doing nothing, but very soon they will be thinking otherwise when Assemblyman Nava’s bill becomes law!
Thank you California. Thank you!