Teen Sentenced to 41 Years in Prison for Live-Streamed Rape in Hollywood
In a disturbing case that shocked the community, a 17-year-old teen, Terry Berger-Smith, has been sentenced to 41 years in prison for raping a woman on a Hollywood sidewalk. The heinous crime was broadcast live, adding to the severity of the offense.
Details of the Crime and Sentencing
The incident took place on June 10, 2022, when Berger-Smith, who was 14 at the time, followed a woman in the early hours of the morning near the Hollywood Police Department headquarters. He ambushed the victim, pushed her into bushes, and carried out the assault while live-streaming the brutal act. Shockingly, he also falsely claimed to the victim that he had AIDS, adding another layer of terror to the crime.
After careful consideration, the Broward State Attorney’s Office decided to try Berger-Smith as an adult due to the seriousness of the offense. He entered a plea of no contest in court, leading to his sentencing of 41 years in prison by Broward County Circuit Judge Peter Holden.
Impact on the Victim’s Family
During the sentencing hearing, Berger-Smith expressed his remorse to the victim’s family, but the victim’s mother urged the judge to uphold the full weight of the law despite his age at the time of the crime. She commended the efforts of law enforcement and the state attorney’s office for their dedication to seeking justice.
Ultimately, the judge decided to impose the minimum sentence allowed by the sentencing guidelines, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the need for accountability.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing case, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and seeking justice for victims of such horrendous crimes.
