Arnesha Bowers murdered for possible gang initiation
Arnesha Bowers’ life was tragically taken by her own. While we’re chanting #BlackLivesMatter, another life in Baltimore was senselessly taken. Adonay Dixon, 23, John Childs, 20, and Raeshawn Rivers, 14, have been indicted on murder, rape, kidnapping, arson and other charges by Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.
It’s such a heinous crime that it has been labeled “pure evil” by Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts.
A junior at Baltimore City College High School, Bowers, 16, lost her life so tragically and was targeted as part of a gang initiation. It’s reported Dixon and Childs are members of the Bloods, specifically Tree Top Piru Bloods.
The murderous attack happened on June 7 in the early morning hours while Bowers’ grandmother worked overnight at the hospital. The three broke into the home located in northeast Baltimore. Bowers was sexually assaulted before being strangled to death with an electrical cord. They stole electronics and set the house on fire to cover the brutal crime.
Bowers knew her attackers. She knew Rivers best. Childs was out on bail following a felony burglary charge from May in Baltimore County. Dixon’s mother, Sandra, claims her son did not touch the victim. Childs has a conflicting story. He told police that it was Dixon who helped plan the crime, who choked Bowers and who dragged her into the basement. She was nude and partially burned to cover up the sexual asault.
“All three talked about a gang initiation that this was supposed to be done in order for one of these guys to get in, and another guy to move higher up within the gang,” said Maj. Stanley Branford.
Rivers claims he was under duress and admitted to having sex with Bowers. He used Bowers cellphone to try and implicate another party with a text message. He will be charged as an adult because authorities say he “participated actively” and was a “principal actor” in the murder.
“I promise to continue to pursue justice on behalf of Arnesha who was brutally assaulted and murdered,” Mosby said during a news conference on Tuesday, June 30, when charges were announced.
“The brutality of Arnesha’s death has affected all of us.”
Here’s a total list of charges: first degree murder, second degree murder, first degree arson, first degree rape, second degree rape, first degree burglary, kidnapping, false imprisonment, robbery with deadly weapon or dangerous weapon, open wear/carry deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit first and second degree rape, conspiracy to commit first degree burglary, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to commit false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit robbery with deadly or dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit first degree arson.
