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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mom upset daughter’s attacker on run after verdict

Associated Press

LIBERTY, Texas (AP) — The mother of a young Texas girl who was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a group of men and boys over several months says she’s upset one of her daughter’s attackers is on the run after being convicted.

A jury sentenced Eric McGowen to 99 years in prison Thursday in Liberty after convicting him earlier in the day of aggravated sexual assault of a child. However, he wasn’t in court when his punishment came down as McGowen, who had been free on bail, fled his trial a day earlier.

The Associated Press could not reach the girl’s mother for comment, but family friend Brenda Myers relayed comments from her.

Myers said the girl’s mom was upset McGowen remains a fugitive and was concerned for the safety of her family.