Man Convicted In Rape Of 18-Year-Old Woman During Breakup

BEL AIR, MD ? A 30-year-old Forest Hill man has been convicted in the rape of a young woman when she tried to break off their relationship, prosecutors said.

Evidence presented in trial proved that on Aug. 6, 2023, Kareem Anthony Parker met the then 18-year-old woman in the woods behind her family home near the Rock Spring Swim Club in Bel Air. The victim and Parker had been communicating on Instagram for a few weeks leading up to the rape, prosecutors said.

Testimony revealed that when the victim tried to end the relationship in the woods that day, Parker pushed her to the ground, causing her to black out. When the victim regained consciousness, she found her pants halfway down her legs and was experiencing pain in her genital area. She immediately returned home, told her mother and then reported the rape to the Harford County Sheriff?s Office. The victim then went to Harford Memorial Hospital for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam and DNA evidence was collected, according to information presented in court.

The SAFE nurse described the injuries to the victim as "traumatic and extensive." The Harford County Sheriff?s Office Criminal Investigation Division assumed the investigation and additional evidence was collected pursuant to the execution of a search warrant at Parker's apartment. A Maryland State Police Laboratory DNA analyst processed the evidence, locating his DNA on swabs taken during the SAFE exam. Following his arrest, the defendant initially denied all sexual contact with the victim that day, but later admitted only to ?fact-checking? her, a story which was not consistent with the location or amount of injuries observed and described by the SAFE nurse, prosecutors said.

?Sexual assault cases of any kind are some of the most challenging cases we present before the court due to the sensitive nature of the facts and often complicated circumstances. This case was particularly heinous, and I commend the victim for her courage in confronting her abuser in open court by testifying to ensure that justice was served. No person should ever experience the kind of violation that she suffered in this case. I am proud that my office was not only able to use our skill and experience to secure this conviction, but that we were also able to guide this victim and her family through this incredibly traumatic experience with care and compassion," said State?s Attorney Alison M. Healey.

At the end of a six-day jury trial, Parker was found guilty of first-degree rape, second-degree rape and sexual offense in the third degree.