Police say for a 36-year-old abuse victim, a home in Mount Holly was a house of horrors where she was repeatedly shocked with a stun gun, beaten with a pipe, tattooed and subjected to even more painful torture.
"Her fingernails were being plucked with pliers at one point," said Det. Frank Pallante of the Mt. Holly Police.
Making matters worse, investigators say the woman was a relative - a cousin - who had come to the Mount Holly home to care for Georgianna Jester after she suffered a stroke. But when her three cousins living here became disgruntled with the victim's care for Georgianna, police say, all four turned on her.
"They actually made her grab a cup and made her drink her own urine," Det. Pallante explained.
No one answered the door at the house Tuesday.
Investigators say this all came to light when the woman was rushed to Virtua Hospital on Sunday for treatment of a serious foot wound. The woman's sister arrived and spoke with the victim, then called police. Detectives say the abuse had gone on for three to six months.
"The victim was so afraid of them that she didn't want to leave the house or else she would have left and called the police," Pallante added.
"It's disgusting and it's a shame," said neighbor Sylvester Webb.
Webb lives a few doors down from the home at Chestnut and Washington. He was stunned to hear what allegedly went on behind closed doors here.
"Should never happen, just shouldn't happen and it's a shame. It's a real disgrace actually," Webb said.
"It wasn't just one of them," Det. Pallante said. "It was all four of them."
Police also say the victim was forced to sleep on the floor or in a chair every night.
The investigation is continuing and there could be more charges and more arrests.
The victim is out of intensive care, but may be hospitalized for a week or so. This case will now go to a county grand jury for possible indictments. All four suspects remain behind bars on bail ranging from $35,000 to $50,000.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:46:00 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:01:25 GMT
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Police sources say the two incidents now under investigation took place at Houston Hall, a student center and lecture hall, on Spruce Street in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:46:00 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:27:15 GMT
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine