Congress Theater NYE Assault Victim Is Home From The Hospital

GXM

The woman who was beaten and raped near the Congress Theater in Logan Square on New Year's Eve is home from the hospital. The 18-year-old woman was in a coma Sunday morning, so we're very glad to hear she's recovering quickly.

Her father says she is recovering and heartened by the community outpouring of support. The woman's father told the Sun-Times, "We’re so appreciative, it makes this thing, which is the most horrendous thing in the world, it makes it easier ... You can’t imagine.” The Chicago Tribune reports police now believe as many as eight people may have been involved in the brutal attack on her, "but their roles have yet to be determined, according to a department source." NBC reports the police are waiting on DNA results from a state crime lab and examining surveillance video.

The Highland Park High School student had been turned away from the 17+ show because she did not have her ID. An employee at the Congress said he saw her shortly after, walking with six men. A few of those men returned and said there was a woman on the sidewalk, and security guards nabbed three of them after they found her bloodied, naked and unconscious. Police held the three "persons of interest" for questioning, but released them.

British dubstep DJ Rusko was performing at the Congress that night. He tweeted that he was "shocked and saddened" by what happened and encouraged people to contact police if they saw anything. The attack happened around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, while the opening acts were performing.

We're curious to see how this violence affects the Congress Theater. An unidentified person told WGN-TV, “A show like this usually attracts young suburban white kids that come into the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. A neighbor of the theater, Danny Medina, told the New York Daily News, “They want to make their money, let them make their money, but let’s keep the neighbors safe and people safe and keep this from ever happening again.”

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By Samantha Abernethy in News on January 4, 2012 4:40 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Hollaback Chicago

Too much emphasis is on that this happens to "white kids" from the "suburbs". Rape, and any sexual violence can happen to anyone, anywhere. It's a much bigger problem than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Theatre Tickets

I don't care what anyone says, theatre will never die out. I love movies, I'm a big movie fan, but you just can't replace seeing a great theatre show with a great movie experience.

Navin_Johnson

^ Apparently spam will never die out either.

AnotherLoganResident

So glad that she's recovering and doing well, however sadden that this happened to her and that this has now become a part of a NYE memory that she should've never been. Usually there's a pretty strong police presence in the area since the station is just up the street, knowing that there was a 17+ concert happening they should've been in the area like the crew that gives out parking tickets is always diligently out on concert nights to up the city's revenue.

Regardless of the city or suburb, age or gender we need to ensure that we teach our kids (and that we ourselves are) not be as trusting and be aware of those around us as well as all of our surroundings. We hear these stories (and even much worst..senseless death) happening all over the nation/world, regardless of where one lives. I live in Logan Square and grew up in Chicago, and although pretty comfortable for the most part walking in the city, still always on alert (especially at night) because through experiences (my own, my daughter's and my friends') I know that, even though I live here and grew up here, many strangers are not concerned with my safety. My daughter also goes out at night and have to admit I don't rest peacefully until she walks through that door. Most don't ever think it would happen to their child, mine was mugged twice; the police couldn't/wouldn't do anything more than give her a police report..couldn't be bothered...so I am aware that my child's safety resides solely in her hands and mine.

I really hope the CPD steps up and makes these males take responsibility for what they have put this young lady through and that they don't just throw their hands up because it isn't one of their own.