According to authorities, an incredibly brave 7-year-old Russellville girl showed extraordinary courage in coming to the aid of her older sister who was being sexually assaulted.
U.S. News reports that Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver recounted the events that led to the 7-year-old’s brave actions in the Pleasant Ridge trailer part of Russellville.
Sheriff Oliver says that on the night of the incident the family of the two girls invited friends to their house to drink and use drugs. As the night wore on, all of the adults in the house had succumbed to their drug or alcohol use when 30-year-old Tony Grissom made his move. Grissom, presumably one of the friends invited to the home for the party, began to rape a 14-year-old girl.
After realizing that her sister was being hurt and unable to wake any of the adults in the house, the 7-year-old sister ran to get help. She went to her neighbor’s, and they were able to end the ongoing assault and call the police.
When speaking to the actions of the little girl, Sheriff Oliver said, “Thank goodness she was there and had the courage to go get help. . . It was bad enough, but it could have been a lot worse.”
Grissom was arrested and charged with sexual assault, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Two others in the house were also arrested; 51-year-old Melinda McNatt and 37-year-old Amanda Byrd were arrested on drug-related charges.
Police believe McNatt is the Aunt of the two girls.
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