A mother raped with her daughter just a few feet away feels “some relief” after a jury convicted the rapist Thursday.
The mother, who is in her mid-20s, testified Tuesday three men armed with handguns entered her Smyrna home Nov. 22, 2006 where one raped her while the others robbed her. She and her 2-1/2-year-old daughter sang “Jesus Loves Me” during the ordeal lasting several hours.
A Circuit Court jury of seven women and five men deliberated about 55 minutes before finding Elgene Porter, 37, of 1442 Bradyville Pike, guilty of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated kidnapping of the mother and daughter, conspiracy, aggravated burglary and attempted aggravated robbery. He was found not guilty of animal cruelty.
Circuit Court Judge Don Ash is expected to sentence Porter July 20. He faces a sentence between 15 and 66 years in prison.
Porter’s twin brother, Eugene, faces trial on identical charges. A third suspect named “Von” was identified but not yet located.
After the verdict was read, the mother said she expected the jury to find him guilty.
She still lives with the nightmare.
“I have good days and bad days,” she said softly. “Recently, I can stay at home for any time by myself, but only for a short time.”
Assistant District Attorney Paul Newman said the victim’s strength and bravery, along with her husband’s support, allowed her to face the humiliation of what happened and testify.
“Because of what she was able to do, a rapist is off the street,” Newman said, adding she helped the community.
The victim and her husband accepted an apology Wednesday afternoon from Rosie Collier, Porter’s mother.
“I told her I was sorry if they (her twin sons) did play any part and did anything, I was sorry,” Collier said, adding the victim smiled at her.
“Justice has to be served,” Collier said before the verdict, adding she hoped her son would not be convicted of rape, the conviction that carries a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison to be served at 100 percent. Porter can earn up to 15 percent off his sentence for good behavior.
Rusty Perkins, assistant public defender who represented Porter, said he expected to file a motion for a new trial after the sentencing hearing.
“We’ll probably file an appeal,” Perkins said.
“We did come out a little better from the standpoint he wasn’t convicted of everything,” Perkins said.
Newman thanked Smyrna Police Detectives Jeff Peach and John Liehr who investigated the case. He thanked Vanderbilt University law student Victoria Greer and MTSU criminal justice interns who helped prepare the case for prosecution.
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