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Child Attacked At Party After Being Kissed

Mar 9, 2004 8:50 pm US/Eastern
Five people inluding two minors are in jail accused of assaulting a 12 year old girl at a children's birthday party. The attack has left the girl in a coma with severe brain damage. Police say it all started with a game of truth and dare. A 12 year old boy at the party was dared to kiss 12 year old Nichole Townes. When he did his 14 year old girlfriend told her mother, who was the host of the party. The mother told the daughter to quote handle your business. That's when the attack began. Police say up to nine people took turns beating Nichole for an hour. The attackers ranged in age from twenty-six to seven years old. Police say the attack happened in several parts of the house. Nichole was unconscious for up to 20 minutes after the beating. She remains in a coma at a Baltimore city hospital with a severe head injury and minimal brain activity. Three adults all women and two young girls are charged with multiple counts of assault and child abuse. Police were initially told that Nichole fell down a flight of steps. An anonymous phone call tipped them off to the beating. And at that point it was a witness, a 13 year old boy, who finally cooperated with police. Police say it is possible that more of those at the party, including some juveniles, could be arrested in connection with what happened.