Police: 8-Year-Old Assaulted by 4 Boys

Four boys between the ages of 9 and 14 are in police custody after they allegedly raped an 8-year-old girl.

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"It's probably one of the worst crimes that we've come across in many years in the city of Phoenix," said Phoenix Police's Andy Hill. The boys, ages 9, 10, and 13 are being detained at the Juvenile Corrections Center. The 14-year-old, Steven Tuopeh, has been remanded as an adult.

The rape happened about 5:15 p.m. July 16 in a toolshed near 45th Ave and Thomas. Police say the girl was lured into the shed with the promise of chewing gum. The boys allegedly restrained her while taking turns sexually assaulting her.

Neighbor Elizabeth Vasquez says she saw the 8-year-old girl crying when she ran from the shed, wearing only her underwear.

Phoenix Police held a press conference 3:30 p.m. Wednesday to announce the arrests. According to police, the victim and the suspects are all from Liberia, west Africa, and appeared to have known each other.

The child is currently in Child Protective Services having been disowned by her parents after the assault. Detectives say her parents blame her for being victimized and bringing shame to their family.

FOX 10 talked to the victim's father, who denies telling police that. Click on the video to hear statements from family members of both the victim and the suspects.

All the suspects have admitted their involvement in the sexual assault. The 9-year-old is facing one count of sexual assault, the 10-year-old is facing charges of kidnapping and 2 counts of sexual assault, the 13-year-old is facing kidnapping and 3 counts of sexual assault, and Tuopeh is facing kidnapping and 2 counts of sexual assault.