First responders in the East Bay united by shock, grief and compassion, are coming together for a fundraiser to benefit a 16-year-old girl who was raped and beaten on the campus of Richmond High School by several suspects on the night of the Homecoming dance.
Firefighters and police will take to the court for a game of hoops Thursday night for a charity basketball game at the PAL auditorium. The school's former basketball coach, Ken Carter, returned to the school help the city heal and raise money to improve safety programs at the school.
"We all have a mother or a sister. We just can't sit back and let something like this happen." Said Carter, who was the inspiration for the film Coach Carter. "You have to give back. It just takes one person to show that you care to make a difference."
Five suspects, ranging from 15 to 21 years old have been charged in the case. Officials are still waiting for DNA evidence to come back. Police say as many as 10 people took place in the gruesome attack, which lasted more than two hours.
"This basketball game will not erase this horrible memory for this young girl." Carter said. "We just want her to know someone cares."
