Media Teen Beat, Bound 72-Year-Old Home Invasion Victim For Days: Chester County DA

A Media teen has been arrested after a brutal home invasion in which a 72-year-old woman was beaten, bound, and tossed in a closet, where she remained for four days, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

The suspect is a 17-year-old boy who was living at Devereux Brandywine, a behavioral health facility, the DA said. His identity is not being released by authorities because he is a minor.

"This juvenile engaged in a brutal attack on the victim, then showed callous disregard for her life," DA Tom Hogan said. "(He) is lucky that the victim did not die. If the victim had not been found by her family, the defendant would be facing murder charges."

The boy escaped from the facility on Feb. 22, and headed to an East Brandywine Township home on the 100 block of Creek Road in the early morning hours, according to the DA. The resident, a 72-year-old woman, was not at home between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and that's when the suspect burglarized the home, stealing credit cards, officials said.

Later that night at around 7:30 p.m., as she walked back into her home, the 17-year-old attacked her from behind, the DA said. He strangled her as she fought back and said, "You'll be with Jesus soon." The woman eventually passed out.

He then covered her head with a shopping bag, and tied her arms behind her back with zip ties, duct tape, and cloth, the DA said. Then he tossed her into a storage space underneath the steps.

That was Wednesday night. She stayed there, without food and water, until she was discovered on Sunday morning, Feb. 26, when a family member checked in on her.

Authorities said the woman was rushed to Paoli Hospital, where she was treated for dehydration, malnourishment, and blunt force injuries sustained in the assault. She is going to survive, police said.

"The victim showed remarkable courage and resilience in surviving the ordeal," Hogan said. "She is strong physically and mentally, and will recover with the help of her family.

Police were able to trace the suspect because he used the victim's stolen credit cards in Maryland. Store footage shows his face as he makes the purchase. Further evidence ties a pair of boots in his possession to distinctive footprints left at the scene.

He was arrested on March 1 and charged with attempted homicide, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, strangulation, and related charges, the DA's office said. Hogan added that they will move to have the suspect tried as an adult.

A public detention hearing is set for March 3.

Anyone who has any further information on this case should contact Chester County Detective Ben Martin at (610) 344-6866.

Pictured above is the storage space in which the victim was held.

Image courtesy Chester County District Attorney's Office