Delco Teen Accused Of Beating, Binding Chesco Woman Had Prior Burglaries: Report

The Delaware County teen who is accused of beating and binding a 72-year-old woman in Chester County has two prior burglaries on his record, according to a report from the Daily Local News.

The outlet reports the 17-year-old boy from Media had two Delaware County burglaries adjudicated in October 2016.

The teen was ordered attend Glen Mills School for delinquent juveniles and to be on Delaware County GPS system, but he fled those programs Oct. 30. He was later found walking on Interstate 95 near the Delaware-Maryland border with drug paraphernalia and items stolen from a burglary, the outlet reports.

After that, the teen was sent to Devereux Brandywine campus where he was living when the most recent incident occurred, the outlet reports.

The boy escaped from the Devereux Brandywine 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 Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. 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.

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

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