Commonwealth v David Brooks:  A Dauphin County jury this week convicted a Penbrook Borough man, David Brooks, 53, of raping a sixteen year old girl in June of 2014.  On June 5, 2014, the sixteen year old victim fled screaming from the home where the rape occurred and ran to a nearby residence.  The owner of that home, hearing the victim's screams, opened her door and found the frightened, unclothed sixteen year old victim standing on her door step.  The neighbor quickly brought the victim into her home and called the police.  The victim told the neighbor that David Brooks had just raped her.  When the police arrived, they could not find Brooks.  Unbeknownst to the police, Brooks was still in the home where the rape occurred.  He was hiding in what was described at trial as a 'cubby hole' in the homes attic.  Later after everyone departed the home, Brooks snuck out of the attic and went down to the home's basement, which was also the scene of the rape.  Before he could flee the scene people arrived back to the home.  Ultimately Brooks was discovered in the basement and was subdued by family friends until the police arrived to arrest him.  

Brooks represented himself during the two-day trial.  Since Brooks represented himself, he was able to cross-exam the the witnesses that testified at trial. One of the most powerful moments in the trial came when Brooks had the opportunity to cross-examined the victim.  The victim was visibly emotional as Brooks began his questioning.  The victim was able to regain her composure and stood her ground as Brooks accused her of lying about the rape.  Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Gettle remarked that the sixteen year old "showed the utmost courage not only on the day she was attacked but throughout a difficult court process. She is an amazing young woman." 

As a result of this conviction, Brooks faces a possible life sentence under Pennsylvania law.  Brooks has previous conviction for robbery and aggravated indecent assault.  The rape conviction constitutes a 'third strike' giving Dauphin County President Judge Richard A. Lewis the option to sentence Brooks to a life sentence.  Judge Lewis deferred Brooks sentence until March 22, 2016, and ordered Brook to be evaluated to determine if he is a Sexually Violent Predator under Pennsylvania's Megan's Law.  

This case was investigated by Penbrook Police Lieutenant Stephen A. Mowery.  Detectives from the District Attorney's Criminal Investigation Division also assisted in the investigation and prosecution of David Brooks.