A West Roxbury, MA man was arrested after allegedly raping a female fan at a Keith Urban concert Saturday in Mansfield. Via The Boston Globe
Sean Murphy, 18, was allegedly on top of the victim on the lawn at the Xfinity Center as bystanders took photos and videos of the alleged assault on their cellphones, Mansfield police said in a statement Tuesday. Another female concertgoer pushed Murphy off the victim, before the suspect ran into the crowd, police said.
Murphy has been charged with one count of rape, according to police. “Thanks to concerned patrons, the female victim was removed from the area and they assisted her in getting her help and reuniting her with her friends,” police said.
Police responded after a concertgoer approached them at the event and reported seeing the alleged sexual assault. Bystanders in the area of the assault gave police a description of the suspect, and they located Murphy and arrested him.
And from the Attleboro Sun
The defendant and the girl did not know each other and met for the first time at the concert, according to police.
The two began kissing near a concession stand before moving to the lawn. The outdoor amphitheater has seating under the roof and on the lawn, which also has an area where people can sit on the grass.
Murphy allegedly took the girl’s hand and led her away from her friends to another section of the lawn, promising to bring her back. Assistant District Attorney Melissa Tafe said the girl told police she went with the defendant because “she was afraid of what would happen” if she didn’t go.
Police say several onlookers videotaped or took photos of the incident, some of which have been obtained by investigators for evidence.
The incident was stopped only after a woman intervened and asked the girl if she was consenting. When the girl said no, the woman allegedly pulled the suspect off the girl, according to police.
The alleged victim is only 17 years old.
Murphy’s lawyer, Neil P. Crowley, said in a statement Tuesday that “This was a consensual act, not a sexual assault. There are no allegations of force or violence put against him. This was a private act that regrettably occurred in a public place. Mr. Murphy deeply regrets this incident and I’m sure the young woman does as well.”
This incident took place at a concert that had already made headlines for “Alcohol-related issues” that sent 22 fans to the hospital and 50 into protective custody. According to the Attleboro Sun, “The chaotic scene at the venue led officials to declare a mass casualty incident just before 9 p.m. due to the number of people becoming ill in a short span of time.” Police had to be called in from neighboring towns, including Foxboro, Easton, Norton, Plainville and North Attleboro. Read the full police report and see a photo of the alleged attacker at the Mansfield police Facebook page.
Keith has not made a statement regarding Saturday night’s concert, other than thanking the crowd afterward in a tweet that has since been deleted.
“What a great night tonight. It was killer. Gosh, up on the lawn tonight, that was nutso. It was so cool. Anyway, if you came tonight, thank you very much for giving us all the love and energy. Boston Strong, I love you. Night-night.”
