They targeted white victims because they believed white people wouldonly call police after being attacked. Black victims, they reasoned,would gather family members and retaliate.
The robbery case against three teenagers accused of attacking awoman outside the Westwood library in January was dismissed Fridaymorning.
Prosecutors dismissed the charge against one boy, admitting they did not have enough evidence to go forward.
Whenthe 18-year-old victim failed to show up for the boys’ trial inHamilton County Juvenile Court, Magistrate Elizabeth Igoe dismissed thecase against his co-defendants, who also faced robbery charges. Igoesaid charges could be re-filed if the witness decides to go forwardwith the case.
Police say the boys are part of a Westwoodgang called the McFarland boys in which boys roamed in packs randomlyattacking victims to gain status in the gang. In all, 10 juveniles werearrested.
Two others, including the group’s ringleader,were sent to juvenile prison on robbery charges. But the cases haveproved difficult to prosecute. Three other boys had cased against themdismissed when victims in those cases failed to show up for court.Another got probation and another wasn’t formally charged.
“We have some really hardened criminals that are 15-years-olds,”Cincinnati police Lt. Don Luck said. “There’s a gangster mentality.”
Friday, three boys, a 14-year-old and two 15-year-olds, go to trial for attacking the 18-year-old deaf woman.
Twoothers, including the group’s 15-year-old ringleader, were sent tojuvenile prison last month on robbery charges where they could be helduntil they’re 21.
Threeboys had cases against them dismissed when victims failed to show upfor court. Another got probation and another wasn’t formally charged.
WestwoodElementary School told authorities trouble was brewing in the earlymonths of the 2008-2009 school year, with near daily fights erupting atschool, Detective Mike Roth said.