CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI – Three children—all members of the same family—are being held in juvenile custody for an attack upon a woman who claims she was targeted for being gay. Jeana Terry, 41, says that on July 24, she and her partner, Lisa Lange, were inside their home when a 16-year-old neighbor began shouting anti-gay comments outside. The couple claims that when Terry opened the door, the teen—along with her 13-year-old sister and 11-yearold brother—began to physically assault her.

“Once I was down, it was pure chaos,” Terry said, adding that she was repeatedly hit and kicked. A neighbor confirmed Terry’s account. “They were kicking, stomping, and beating the hell out of her,” said Mima Poole.

At a juvenile hearing, the two younger children pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and trespassing. The 16-year-old faces assault and burglary charges. She could be charged with a hate crime, and may be tried as an adult.