Two of the four boys believed to be responsible for the rape of an 8-year-old Liberian girl were ordered to be put into foster care. According to The Associated Press, Judge Aimee Anderson ruled that the boys should not be returned to their families and also ruled that one of the 10-year-olds be enrolled in a program to make him fit for trial. The other boy, who is also 10-years-old, was determined to be incapable of becoming competent for trial and charges against him may be dropped. Both boys will be monitored by electronic ankle bracelets.
Phoenix police believe the two 10-year-olds and a 13-and 14-year-old boy lured the girl to a storage shed and raped her on July 16. The case gained national attention after it was reported that the girl’s father was ashamed of her and did not want her returned home. The girl is currently in the custody of State Child Welfare Officials.
Steven Tuopeh, the 14-year-old boy pictured above, is accused in the rape of the little girl and is being charged as an adult. His charges are kidnapping, sexual assault and attempted sexual conduct with a minor and five counts of sexual conduct with a minor. Prosecutors are seeking adult charges against the 13-year-old accused in the case as well.
