Sole survivor of Duncan's violence recounts attacks on tape

Tools

By The Associated Press

Story Published: Aug 19, 2008 at 6:32 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 19, 2008 at 6:32 PM MST

BOISE, Idaho - A girl who is the sole survivor of a murderous attack on her family told detectives soon after her rescue that she was raped by Joseph Edward Duncan III and forced to watch him torture, molest and kill her younger brother.

The videotaped interview with Shasta Groene was played for a federal jury Tuesday. It's the latest account of the days that Shasta, 8 at the time, and her 9-year-old brother Dylan spent with Duncan after he abducted them from their home east of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in 2005.

Duncan pleaded guilty in December to 10 federal counts involving the kidnapping and torture of the children and the slaying of Dylan at a remote campsite in western Montana. Three of those counts carry a potential death penalty.

The jury is being asked to decide whether Duncan should be sentenced to execution, or to life in prison without parole. The interview presented in court was taped at the hospital where Shasta was treated, shortly after she was spotted at a Coeur d'Alene restaurant and rescued.

Missoula

Icon
Current Temp 31.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : Southeast at 15.0 MPH (13 KT)
Pressure : 1029.9 mb
Humidity : 61 %
More Weather

Butte

Icon
Current Temp 25.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : East at 6.9 MPH (6 KT)
Pressure : 1030.2 mb
Humidity : 75 %
More Weather

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Poll

Do you think Montana's DUI laws need to be tougher?

  • Yes
  • No

AP Video