A horrifying incident unfolded at a McDonald's restaurant just outside St. Louis, where a 15-year-old female worker, Aryiah Lynch, was subjected to a vicious assault by a 25-year-old repeat criminal offender named Johnny Ricks. The assault, which took place in the parking lot, involved Ricks grabbing Aryiah by her hair, dragging her across the pavement, and repeatedly stomping on her head in a brutal attack that left her with a fractured skull, a broken nose, and frontal lobe damage.
Aryiah's mother, Shawnunique Phillips, created a GoFundMe page to help cover her daughter's medical expenses, stating that the assault has been a life-changing experience for her family and that Aryiah faces a challenging road to recovery. The page has already garnered significant support, with donations exceeding $13,000 towards the $15,000 goal.
The assault was captured in a distressing video posted on Facebook by Aryiah's mother, who asserted that Ricks should face charges of child endangerment or attempted murder due to the severity of the attack. The incident stemmed from a confrontation that began when Ricks and a group of individuals exhibited disruptive behavior at the McDonald's drive-thru and escalated into a violent brawl inside the restaurant.
Following the altercation inside, the fight spilled into the parking lot, with multiple people engaging in physical altercations. In the video, Ricks can be seen dragging Aryiah across the lot before viciously stomping on her head, causing grave injuries and lasting trauma.
Aryiah, who underwent surgery and was eventually released from the hospital, expressed her shock at the brutal attack, highlighting the unexpected and devastating nature of the violence she endured. Meanwhile, Ricks has a criminal history that spans multiple offenses, leading to his current detention at the St. Louis County Justice Center on charges of felony assault and property damage.
The owner of the McDonald's location where the incident occurred, Jimmy Williams, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of employees and customers, reaffirming the commitment to cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.
The St. Louis County Police are diligently investigating the incident and collaborating with the North County Precinct to identify additional victims, witnesses, and suspects involved in the assault.
Johnny Ricks remains in custody on a $150,000 cash-only bond, awaiting his court appearance scheduled for April 25. The community stands united in condemning this act of violence and supporting Aryiah Lynch as she bravely navigates her path towards healing and justice.
As we reflect on this disturbing event, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a community where violence has no place and where each individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Together, we can work towards a future where incidents like these become a distant memory, replaced by a shared vision of safety, solidarity, and justice for all.
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