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Trial to begin in rape of disabled woman

by By CHRIS DANIELS / KING 5 News

Bio | Email | Follow: @ChrisDaniels5

KING5.com

Posted on August 15, 2009 at 2:01 PM

Updated Monday, Sep 21 at 9:41 AM

Video: Caregiver faces trial for rape of disabled woman

KENT, Wash. - Bessie Clark has been waiting a long time for justice. She's been waiting ever since receiving a phone call in March 2008.

It was a call from an acquaintance which she can't forget.

"He said, I don't know how to tell you this, sounded like he had tears in his eyes," says Clark, "She's pregnant, and having a miscarriage, I couldn't believe it."

"She" is Bessie's developmentally disabled daughter Caryn. The 44-year-old woman, who is blind, has the mental ability of an 11-month old. She lived in a Kent apartment, and had been getting round the clock care.

Police would later say lab tests showed Caryn's pregnancy occurred because she was raped by the man assigned to care for her.

Wednesday, 32-year-old Joseph Thurura will stand trial in the rape. He has pled not guilty and denied responsibility.

The trial has been delayed for months.

Clark says her daughter is still suffering the effects of the miscarriage.

"She's fearful, her face looks haggard, and thinner, almost like she's terrified," she said.

She also says Caryn is having some physical issues as a result of the rape.

She has settled out of court with Thurura's employer, Integrated Living Services of Kent, and will use the money to take care of Clark's medical needs.

"Integrated Living was compliant with rules and regulations. The individual perpetrator, however, has a substantiated finding of abuse and his name is included in a background check list that will prevent him from working with vulnerable people," said Kathy Spears, DSHS.

Thurura faces at least 6 1/2 years in prison if convicted of rape.

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