HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trial for one of four suspected of being involved with the kidnapping, robbery and burglaries in the city has his case going before a jury this week.
21-year-old Fredrick Lemons is charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and two counts of aggravated battery.
On the stand Monday afternoon was the victim whose was beaten and robbed on May 14, 2015 at his home in the 3400 block of North Waldron.
He told of being awaken around 4 a.m. to a flashlight in his face by three men wearing hoodies and bandanas who then began to beat him with a handgun. He says they then made him turn on his stomach where they tied him up with an I-phone cord. He says he was then struck with the gun and a bat numerous times. That included in the face, on his back and hip. He says they took him to his basement where he says he was sure they were going to kill him. That’s in part because of their repeated threats that they would do so, if he looked at them.
He says he gave them his debit and credit cards and his pin number as well as $370.00 in cash because he didn’t want to die.
They apparently tried to get a large amount of cash from an ATM of his bank, but could only pull out $200.00.
They also stole two vehicles from him included a 2007 Honda Accord which was badly damaged.
The other home invasion occurred at a home in the 3600 block Rockwood Dr. The suspects are also accused for the robbery of the Family Affair business located at 1515 E. 4th.
Police conducted a number of search warrants in association with these crimes and allege they found items from all the crimes, leading to the four arrests.
The trial for Lemons is being held in front Judge Tim Chambers and will continue Wednesday.