Bella Vista Coffee Shop Employee Tells Horrific Story Of Rape and Robbery
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A 29-year-old coffee shop barista has testified she feared she was going to die during a robbery and rape inside the Bean Exchange near 7th and Bainbridge in Bella Vista in late March. The alleged attacker has been held for trial.
The victim testified she had just opened the shop when defendant Christopher Reeves came in. There was small talk, he asked for bus money, and she gave him a dollar from her tip jar. He left a few minutes later but then returned and announced a stick-up (see related story).
"He threatened to shoot her the second time he came into the coffee shop that morning in conjunction with this threat of a stick-up," Prosecutor Michael Stackow said.
Reeves allegedly took $173 and ordered her to the bathroom. She complied, fearing she'd be shot in the back if she tried to escape.
"She's fearful for her life, and is hoping that he will just take the money and run, but obviously he didn't and he went in and sexually assaulted her."
During the assault she saw her chance and bolted from the bathroom and coffee shop, putting on her clothes as she fled to safety.
The victim didn't actually see a gun and authorities don't know if Reeves was armed.
The defense attorney declined comment.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio
