June 19, 2013

Crime History: Star athlete goes on the run after rape charges

BY: SCOTT MCCABE FEBRUARY 9, 2013 | 8:00 PM
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Star athlete goes on the run after rape charges
On this day, Feb. 10, in 1986, 18-year-old Connecticut wrestling star Alex Kelly raped a 16-year-old girl, then raped another teen girl four days later before jumping bail and fleeing to Europe with help from his wealthy parents.

For more than eight years, Kelly lived a jet-set lifestyle, skiing, hang gliding and mountain climbing. He surrendered to police in Switzerland in 1995, after authorities threatened to arrest his parents.

During a sensational trial, the victim testified that Kelly choked and raped her in his car and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. When the jury announced a guilty verdict, Kelly cried: "I didn't do this. Why are you doing this to me? God, I am not guilty."

He pleaded no contest to the second rape charge and served 10 years.

- Scott McCabe

- Scott McCabe

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