Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Battery and Kidnapping
Arrest Made Months After Brutal Attack
A man has been arrested months after a woman was found severely beaten and apparently raped in a Miami neighborhood.
Arrest and Charges
Junior Christian Joseph, 27, was arrested on Monday on charges including attempted sexual battery causing serious personal injury, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and kidnapping, according to Miami-Dade jail records.
Incident Details
The alleged incident occurred on April 12 when the 24-year-old victim was found badly beaten and bleeding from the face, and yelling "rape" and asking for help behind a home in the 900 block of Northwest 55th Street in Liberty City. A young witness, who was getting ready for school, saw the victim running back and forth in the yard bleeding from her nose, which appeared to be broken, according to the report. Another witness heard the woman screaming for help and heard a male saying "shut the f— up" and saw two men holding and grabbing the woman.
Victim’s Account
The victim was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where she had to be intubated and undergo surgery on her nose, wrist, jaw, and lips, and received stitches. She was able to write "beaten" on a piece of paper, the report said. The victim later told police she remembered visiting a house in the Wynwood area with her female friend, and said they left in her friend’s car at some point. She said she started to feel like she had to throw up, so she got out of the car, then she and her friend got into an argument, and the friend drove away. The next thing she recalled was a younger girl standing over her.
Rape Kit Results and Investigation
A rape kit for the victim tested positive for seminal fluid. During Joseph’s bond court appearance, Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer said his DNA was found in the rape kit. The woman was later shown a photo of Joseph, and she said she had never met and had never had consensual sex with him, the report said. Joseph made a statement to investigators, denying that the sex was against her will and denying that he caused her injuries, the report said.
Court Proceedings and Conclusion
Glazer appointed Joseph a public defender and ordered him held without bond. Records showed he’s a Haitian citizen and has an immigration hold.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Junior Christian Joseph?
A: He is charged with attempted sexual battery causing serious personal injury, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and kidnapping.
Q: What was the alleged incident date?
A: The alleged incident occurred on April 12.
Q: What is the current status of Junior Christian Joseph?
A: He is currently being held without bond.
