A Pennsylvania teenager was charged in the rape and assault of an 85-year-old retired nun outside of St. Titus Roman Catholic Church in Aliquippa, The Morning Call reported.
Andrew Clarence Bullock, 18, was booked in Beaver County Jail on Friday with bail set at $50,000. The teen's brother, Zach Hauser, expressed his shock and disbelief.
"I don't know what to believe," Hauser said. "He said that he had been walking by the church, but he didn't do it."
According to police, the nun was placing papers in a recycling bin around 11:30 a.m. when she was approached by a man who asked her if she needed any assistance.
"She said that when she turned to look at him, he had a very nice smile," said Aliquippa police Detective Sgt. Steven Roberts.
Shortly after, Bullock raped and attacked her. She was sent to Allegheny General Hospital to fix a broken jaw and released on Saturday.
Authorities were able to identify Bullock through the nun's description and a witness, who saw Bullock in the area before the Friday morning attack took place.
The incident incited anger among the local community, including the police chief.
"This is not acceptable on any level," said Aliquippa police Chief Andre Davis. "This is unacceptable to the whole community."
Lucy Biega, a local resident and member of the church, was equally as stunned.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard it," Biega said. "I don't recall anything ever happening like this before in Aliquippa. Maybe someone trying to steal a purse, but nothing like this. And to a nun. It's just shameful."
Sister Mary Pellegrino described the nun as an advocate for peace and emphasized she has a strong, supportive community around her.
"As Sisters of St. Joseph, we live and work to bring all people into union with God, and Sister manifests that spirit every day. Sister is a passionate advocate of nonviolence, peace and justice, and each month she conducts a prayer vigil for peace in the chapel of our Motherhouse," Pellegrino said in a statement. "As we offer continued prayers of healing for our Sister, we also pray for the young man who has been arrested in the assault."
Roberts added Bullock eventually admitted to the brutal attack but did not provide a motive.
