Georgia teen speaks out after alleged torture by group of boys leaves him hospitalized
Trent Lehrkamp, 19, was unconscious and covered in spray paint and urine when he arrived at the hospital
Georgia teenager Trent Lehrkamp spoke out for the first time after a group of vicious bullies left him clinging to life on a hospital ventilator in a case that has garnered national headlines.
"I'm alive and doing well," Lehrkamp, 19, told local news station WSAV this week. "Just know it's going to be a long time for me to get over this, through the trauma, but one day hopefully within the next few months or so, I might be back."
He added, "Justice will be served." Lehrkamp is currently recovering at an out-of-state facility.
Three teenagers left Lehrkamp at a local hospital March 21 soaked in urine and covered in spray paint after he was allegedly forced to drink large amounts of alcohol and fed drugs, according to a Glynn County Police report.
GEORGIA TEENS IN TRENT LEHRKAMP TORTURE IDENTIFIED BY POLICE, FAMILY ASKS FOR PRAYERS
Georgia police are investigating a disturbing hazing incident involving Trent Lehrkamp, who was left hospitalized from the ordeal. (Facebook)
A photo of the depraved incident emerged on Snapchat of Lehrkamp passed out in a chair covered in objects as four boys pose in the background.
Authorities are investigating the alleged assault at the St. Simons Island home, in addition to prior incidents in which Lehrkamp was victimized.
TRENT LEHRKAMP HAZING: FBI JOINS GEORGIA PROBE AS DEPRAVED NEW DETAILS OF ABUSE EMERGE
On another occasion, Lehrkamp is shown in a 10-second clip at the same home slumped over in a chair with a hose trained on him as minors can be seen socializing in the background.
Georgia police are investigating whether this image posted to social media shows Trent Lehrkamp passed out in a chair after a horrific hazing incident. (Facebook )
His father told police that on March 17 his son returned from the same friend's house "covered in WD-40, vomit, paint, glue, egg yolk and spray paint," an incident report shows.
In a press release issued Monday, Glynn County Interim Police Chief O'Neal Jackson, III, said it was important to correct misinformation that could potentially hamper the probe.
Trent Lehrkamp, center right, with his father, sister and stepmother. He is currently recovering after spending more than a week in the hospital from a horrific assault. (GoFundMe)
"There is no question the video and pictures linked to the Lehrkamp investigation are very disturbing," Jackson said. However, he added, reports that the victim had been defecated on or was autistic are inaccurate.
In a post to a GoFundMe account for Lehrkamp that has raised nearly $130,000, the organizer provided an update on his condition.
A screenshot of a video showing Trent Lehrkamp getting sprayed with a hose as a group of mill about. (Facebook)
"He wants everyone to know he is thankful for the well wishes, the love and support that you all have shown to him," wrote Erika Keller, who did not disclose her relationship to the victim.
"He wants you all to know he’s alive and well but has a long road to go towards being fully recovered from the trauma," she continued.
No comments: