Community rallies behind 74-year-old rape victim, suspected attacker due in court

SAN FRANCISO (KTVU) - Community members are rallying to help a 74-year-old woman still recovering from a brutal attack in May where she was raped for hours and bit by a pitbull.  

"It's among the worst I've come across in my 12 years as a police officer," said San Francisco police officer Johnny Vong. He's talking about what happened last month on Prague Street near McLaren Park.

The grandmother was out for her daily walk, when police say a man dragged her into a home and raped her for hours. A pit bull belonging to the alleged attacker's roommate also bit her repeatedly.

Vong, who speaks Chinese, visited the woman in the hospital.

"She told me she didn't want anyone else to go through what she went through she doesn't want any more victims. She wants the person caught," she said.

Police say her description of what happened helped lead them to the arrest of Manuel Amador.

He is charged with rape and kidnapping. Amador has pleaded not guilty.

But the legal proceedings are not the end of the story.

Community leaders and elected officials are rallying behind the elderly survivor, whose recovery will be long and painful.

"Family members...they have to be there 24 hours a day to take care of her," said Marlene Tran, a community leader. 

"I live around the block from where this happened and it pains me to see someone so vulnerable to be taken advantage of," said Steve Currier.

Tran recently visited the woman in a rehab facility and says she is still unable to walk.

Physically she says she will be able to heal eventually. But the emotional part is very hard to deal with. I admire her strength," she said.

She and others have set up a fund to help with the woman's rehabilitation and recovery.

"She says she can't have family members take time off work," Tran said.

Amador is next due in court in August. If convicted he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Those wishing to help the elderly victim can send checks to:

          SF-Shanghai Association
          2515 San Bruno Ave
          San Francisco, CA 94134
          Write on memo line--For sexual assault elderly victim