7th suspect accused in gang rape of teenage girl outside Calif. high school pleads not guilty

7th suspect in Calif. rape case pleads not guilty

RICHMOND, Calif. — The seventh suspect charged in the alleged gang rape of a teenage girl outside of a California high school’s homecoming dance has pleaded not guilty.

John Crane Jr. entered the plea Wednesday to charges of forcible rape in concert and a special allegation that makes him eligible for life in prison if convicted. The 43-year-old is being held on $100,000 bail.

Contra Costa County prosecutors say Crane is one of seven people involved in sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl outside Richmond High School in October.

Six other males ages 15 to 21 also have pleaded not guilty in the attack. They are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 25 to set a preliminary hearing date.

Information from: Contra Costa Times