A Pennsylvania judge has sentenced a young girl for her role in the April beating of Rikki Triana (photo here), a 10-year-old girl who suffered such severe injuries that she may never walk normally again.
According to court records, Rikki was playing at the Pfeiffer Burleigh playground in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 3, when she saw a group of older girls bullying her 8-year-old sister. When Rikki attempted to intervene, an 11-year-old girl tossed a cup of water on her. The violence quickly escalated when another girl, aged 10, allegedly shoved Rikki to the ground and stomped on her head and legs so severely that she shattered Rikki's hip. Rikki was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors inserted three pins into her hip. She was later transported to Erie Shriners Hospital for Children, where she received intensive physical and occupational therapy.
Last month, Judge John J. Trucilla found the 11-year-old girl guilty of harassment, a misdemeanor offense. Trucilla sentenced the girl to 50 hours of community service and a term of probation. He also ordered her to write a letter of apology to Rikki and her sister.
The 10-year-old girl defendant finally had her day in court last week. Standing before Trucilla, the young girl admitted to her role in the beating and said that she did it to impress her friends. Regardless of her intent, Trucilla was less than impressed by her defense.
"It was not a mistake. It was not an accident. It was actions you took because of a decision you made," Trucilla said.
As a result of the girl's actions, which Trucilla described as "horrifying," he sentenced her to 30 days of home-electronic monitoring, 50 hours of community service and an indefinite period of probation. Trucilla also ordered the defendant to pay $500 in Rikki's name to Erie Shriners Hospital for Children, where Rikki was treated.
Trucilla warned the young defendant not to violate the terms of her probation or she will be placed in a residential rehabilitation facility.
"This is an opportunity for you to become successful in the future," Trucilla said after handing down the sentence.
Rikki, who now uses a walker, and her mother, Lisa Triana, were both present at the hearing. Afterwards, Lisa spoke briefly with the Erie Times News.
"She [the defendant] is at a point where she can go bad or good," Lisa said. "What the judge is trying to do is make the good he sees in her resurface."
According to Lisa, Rikki still has to undergo multiple surgeries and will probably never be able to walk normally again.
A fund has been set up to help pay Rikki's medical bills. Donations can be made in Rikki's name at any Northwest Savings Bank.
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