Rapist gets life sentence for attack on Zephyrhills woman, 66

By Helen Anne Travis, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 17, 2009 11:43 AM

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DADE CITY — Bobby Lee Black III was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison today for the 2007 rape of a 66-year-old Zephyrhills woman.

Black, 21, remained stoic during his sentencing. He declined to speak in his defense.

Black's parents expressed their sympathy for the victim, but said there were two sides to every story.

"I know in my heart that my son is innocent, no matter what has been said here today," said his mother, Eunice Black.

The victim was not present for the sentencing.

John Laycock, a victim's advocate for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, read a statement she had prepared.

"She is suffering terribly emotionally because of this," he said.

"She also knows and recognizes that Mr. and Mrs. Black are also probably suffering very terribly."

She is praying for them, he said.

Black faces similar charges in the assault of a 70-year-old woman weeks later at a mobile home park about 2 miles away.

The victim has since suffered a series of minor strokes and her doctors do not want her to testify again, said Assistant State Attorney Manny Garcia.

That case will go to trial early next year.

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Rapist gets life sentence for attack on Zephyrhills woman, 66

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