Man guilty of aiding in rape at youth center in 1998

In New Hampshire, a jury recently delivered a verdict against Bradley Asbury for his involvement in a serious crime dating back to 1998. He was found guilty of holding down a teenager while he was raped at a youth detention center, a facility that has been under scrutiny for longstanding abuse. The jury's decision came after deliberating for three days following a trial that spanned four days, indicating the complexity and emotional weight of the case. Gilpatrick, the victim, recounted how the traumatic event had haunted him over the years, and he described his testimony as part of a healing journey. His account was met with aggressive cross-examination by the defense, which raised doubts about the reliability of his memories and motivations, suggesting a personal gain from the accusations. This particular trial was subsequent to a larger investigation initiated in 2019, which uncovered a pattern of abuse by multiple former staff members at the center. Asbury was among 11 individuals charged as part of this inquiry, highlighting a widespread issue of misconduct within the facility. The legal proceedings are part of a broader context, with over 1,100 former residents alleging various forms of abuse that span several decades, demonstrating the extensive impact of the alleged actions at the center. In a prior case, another defendant had faced a mistrial, further complicating these cases. Notably, a jury recently awarded substantial damages to a victim of abuse, though that ruling has not been finalized, as the state is contesting the value. The pattern of testimony and the jury's finding against Asbury serves as a critical moment for the victims as they seek justice for their long-silenced suffering.