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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Girl X Out Of Coma, Still Can’t Walk, Talk

Compiled From Wire Services

Girl X, the 10-year-old who was sexually assaulted, beaten and poisoned with roach killer six months ago, has fully emerged from a coma and can go home but is unable to walk, speak or see, one of her doctors says.

The girl has made remarkable progress but still has far to go, Dr. Gayle Spill of Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital said Friday.

Spill would not estimate her chances of seeing and talking again.

“She is communicative and is able to express her needs,” Spill said. “She hates vegetables and loves pizza. She has an excellent sense of humor and often teases family and staff.”

The girl communicates by using her cheek to touch buttons that indicate “yes” or “no.”

The 4-foot-8 girl was found Jan. 9, dumped in a stairwell in the Cabrini-Green public housing project. Roach killer had been sprayed down her throat. She became known as Girl X to protect her privacy.

A 25-year-old ex-convict, Patrick Sykes, is charged with attacking her.