Audrie Pott Suicide: 3 California Teens Arrested On Sexual Battery Charges
Three 16-year-old boys were arrested on charges of sexual battery in the alleged assault of a California girl, Audrie Pott, who committed suicide eight days after the attack when photos of the incident were posted online.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday arrested two Saratoga High School students and a former student who now attends Christopher High School in Gilroy.
Pott was 15 when she hanged herself after photos of the September 2012 assault, which occurred while she was passed out at a Saratoga house party, were posted online. She wrote on Facebook that her life was ruined and that she suffered “the worst day ever.” Audrie also wrote of the incident, “the whole school knows … my life is ruined.”
The names of the boys arrested in the case haven't been released because they are minors.
Robert Allard, attorney for the Pott family, said the family has struggled to come to grips with Audrie’s suicide. The family was unaware of the assault until Audrie killed herself.
"The family has been trying to understand why their loving daughter would have taken her life at such a young age and to make sure that those responsible would be held accountable," Allard told the Associated Press. "After an extensive investigation that we have conducted on behalf of the family, there is no doubt in our minds that the victim, then only 15 years old, was savagely assaulted by her fellow high school students while she lay on a bed completely unconscious."
The three teens arrested in the assault were charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery, NBC Bay Area reported.
The boys were expected to be held in a juvenile jail until their detention hearing, which is most likely going to occur early next week, the Daily Mail reported.
After Saratoga High School Principal Paul Robinson announced Pott’s suicide, the school community paid tribute to Audrie two days later by wearing her favorite color, teal.
Her death also spurred her parents and stepmother to start the Audrie Pott Foundation, which gives music and art scholarships as well as offers youth counseling. Audrie’s hobbies included art and music.
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