Teen charged in rape of a 72-year-old woman will head to prison for decades
A teen will head to prison for more than three decades for raping and attacking a 72-year-old woman in her Surfside Beach area home.
The 15th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office announced on Thursday that Nicholas O. Rios, 16, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal sexual assault and kidnapping. Judge Michael Nettles sentenced Rios to a total of 35 years in prison.
In November, the office announced he would face charges as an adult for the assault.
As part of the sentence, Rios will have to register as a sex offender. He will also have to serve at least 29 years before he is parole eligible.
On July 19, officers responded to Southwood Drive in Surfside Beach for a possible sexual assault, according to an Horry County police report. The incident was initially reported as a “fall,” but EMS asked for police after they deemed it suspicious.
The 72-year-old woman said she was significantly injured in a fall, according to the report. On the way to the hospital, the victim said she was attacked in her home by an intruder.
The victim had swelling to her face, bruising to her neck and arms and cuts, according to the report.
South Carolina Department of Corrections Spokeswoman Chrysti Shain said that anyone who is 16 years old or younger will spend prison time at the Department of Juvenile Justice until they turn 17. Once they turn 17, they are transferred to another prison where they are housed with other 17-years-olds.
When they turn 18, inmates are housed with other offenders.
Most young offenders are housed at Turbeville Correctional Institute, Shain said.
This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 11:55 AM.
