Police say the girl was on her way home from a store when she was assaulted and beaten.
The vicious attacked happened just blocks away from the girl's home late last Tuesday night in an alley. The victim, who was beaten and raped, was a 16-year-old student at the Austin Business Academy. She is still recovering.
"It is devastating. She's afraid to come outside. Fear. Fearful. It's sad, you know. It's hard to explain what she's really feeling right now," said Dina Ware, the victim's aunt.
Community activists gathered to call attention to the crime. They handed out flyers to passersby. Police say their investigation is progressing but they could use help.
The suspect grabbed his victim near Central on Chicago Avenue, then dragged her into an alley at about 11:30 p.m. He hit her repeatedly and then sexually assaulted her.
"The whole community is on the lookout for this guy. This guy's a menace to society and he does not deserve to be at peace."
"We will not rest until this family gets justice," said Rev. Marshall Hatch.
The victim told investigators she had never met the man who attacked her. She was able to give police only a general description. And that's why the family is hoping any witnesses will come forward.
"Please, please, everyone, the community, don't close your eyes and turn your back on my baby," said Sheila, the victim's mother.
ABC7 has learned the suspect is an African-American, about 19 to 20 years old with dark skin and wavy-style hair. He was wearing dark blue clothing.
