2 Florida teenagers accused of raping woman

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Two teenagers were accused of gang-raping a woman, forcing her 12-year-old son to join in the attack and beating him and pouring cleaning solution into his eyes.

Authorities allege Avion Lawson, 14, and Nathan Walker, 16, were among about 10 masked suspects who forced their way into the 35-year-old woman's apartment June 18.

The two were being held without bail Friday on suspicion of armed sexual battery by multiple perpetrators, sexual performance by a child, armed home invasion and aggravated battery. Both were arrested this week, but formal charges had not been filed. Authorities said the two would be charged as adults.

"Any rape case is horrible, but this takes it to another level, something you can't think of even in your worst dreams," police spokesman Ted White said.

According to the police report, a man knocked on the woman's door and told her he had a flat tire. The mother and son, whom police have not identified, went outside and were ambushed by a group of gun-wielding suspects.

The victims told police they were forced back into their home. According to authorities, the men raped, sodomized and beat the woman and forced her son to participate in the assault at gunpoint.

The boy was then beaten and had numerous household cleaning liquids poured into his eyes, according to the police report.

The suspects also stole a few hundred dollars in cash and jewelry, White said.

White said more arrests were expected.

DNA evidence in a condom found in the victims' home linked Lawson to the crime, police said. Investigators also said they found a palm print belonging to Walker at the scene.

The victims have been released from the hospital, White said.

Prosecutors have 21 days from the time a suspect is arrested to formally file charges. Lawson was arrested Tuesday and Walker on Thursday.

Walker's father, also named Nathan Walker, said Friday, "I can't believe my son would do something like this. I don't teach my son violence so I don't understand."

The younger Walker's attorney, Robert Gershman, said he intended to enter a not-guilty plea on behalf of his client once charges are formally filed.

A message left at the office of Lawson's public defender was not returned.