Reported by: Lance Barry
Photographed by: Jon Atkinson
Web produced by: Neil Relyea
Two teenagers are now behind bars after a disturbing home invasion on Thursday that targeted a disabled girl.
It happened in the 3100 block of Lanes Mill Road in Hanover Township near Oxford.
Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones calls the crime one of the more disturbing crimes he's ever seen in his 30 plus years of law enforcement.
It featured two suspects he likens to juvenile "Bonnie and Clydes" preying on a disabled girl.
9News is told the two suspects entered the home on Thursday night with the intent of stealing the homeowner's car on Friday morning and then leaving the Tri-state area.
When that plan fell through after the homeowner went to work in the car, the pair allegedly took out their frustrations on a disabled 18-year-old girl found to be still inside the home.
9News was told the girl was bound, had her head shaved, was gagged, and beaten with a baseball bat over the course of several hours.
It is not yet clear whether she was also sexually assaulted.
The pair was caught soon after the girl's mother returned home, but not before the property was severely robbed and vandalized.
9News is told the victim, identified as 18-year-old Ashley Clark, required hospitalization but is expected to be fine.
"Pray to God for mercy on their [the suspects] souls," said Bobby Clark, the victim's father. He had trouble finding words when asked to describe the crime.
"It is a terrible, terrible crime. Remember, I told you that she was tied up, and was moved from room to room to room. She told them, 'Please don't hit me in the head! I have had brain surgery, please don't do that!,' and they struck her in the head more than one time. They had no remorse they didn't care," said Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones.
Despite being juveniles, the suspects' names have been released.
They are identified as a 16-year-old male and 17-year-old female, both of Hamilton. 9News was told they are boyfriend and girlfriend.
The teens are facing charges ranging from kidnapping to vandalism, to burglary and robbery.
9News is told Butler County prosecutor Robin Piper has been contacted and will review whether both can be charged as adults due to the severity of the crime.
9News was also told both have prior records.
Stay tune for more on this story tonight at 11 p.m., including reaction from the neighbor who helped in the suspects' apprehension.
