From the New York Daily News: One of the men accused in a series of repeated sexual assaults of a
young Texas girl disappeared from his trial Wednesday, following a day
of emotional testimony from the now 13-year-old girl who cried as a
video of one of the encounters was played for jurors.
Testimony continued despite the absence of 20-year-old defendant Eric
McGowen, who is one of 14 adults accused of having sex with the girl
during a nearly three-month span two years ago. Six juveniles were also
charged.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys huddled briefly with Judge Mark
Morefield in front of his bench when McGowen failed to return to the
courtroom following an afternoon break. The judge then told jurors the
trial would go on without him.
Morefield later said a bench warrant had been issued, and McGowen's
bond was increased from $35,000 to $250,000. The judge denied a defense
motion for a continuance in the case and said the trial would resume
Thursday morning.
"Your client left voluntarily," Morefield told defense attorney Matthew Poston.
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