Crime & Safety

Judge McDaniel Calls Ross, Hopewell Rapist the "Definition of Danger"

Arthur Henderson will spend 61 to 122 years in prison for raping and robbing two women in Ross and one in Hopewell.

Calling it "one of the most horrible cases" she's ever heard, Allegheny County Common Pleas Court Judge Donna Jo McDaniel on Tuesday imposed what amounts to a life sentence on convicted rapist Arthur Henderson.

The judge ordered Henderson, 39, of the North Side, to spend 61 to 122 years in prison for raping and robbing at gunpoint two women in Ross and one in Hopewell over a three-day period in January 2012.

The Ross Township rapes were reported Saturday, Jan. 7, at the Woodhawk Club Apartments complex on Johnanna Drive and on Monday, Jan. 9, at the Cascades Apartment complex off Cemetery Lane. 

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The Hopewell rape occurred Jan. 7, the same morning as the first attack in Ross. 

Jurors deliberated for less than four hours before returning a verdict on Feb 11, ending an unusual trial in which Henderson acted as his own attorney and cross-examined his victims as well as the police officers that arrested him.

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Prior to sentencing, the three victims, a husband of one victim and three of their parents testified. Their testimony included these remarks:

First Victim: 
"My scars are mental, emotional and spiritual. He came in of his own free will and he chose to take my will, my sense of security, my sense of self. He made me a part of his sins, and now I have to deal with the stench and residue of Arthur Henderson. I have to live the rest of my life trying to get over it."

Second Victim:
"I was tortured and imprisoned in my own home—helpless and alone. I accepted that I would die that day. My self-worth is in the toilet. Arthur Henderson took my dignity, my spark in life." 

Second Victim's Mother:
"My daughter is afraid to be alone, she felt ashamed, she can’t control her emotions. She wasn’t with us emotionally. She may appear fine on the outside, but she is not well on the inside. She is not the same person. She is guarded, depressed."

Second Victim's Husband:
"I'm appalled someone could have so little respect for another person, could be so reckless. Arthur Henderson has no useful purpose; he can never pay back what he’s taken."

Third Victim:
"I was disgusted with myself, I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror. I was unable to be in large crowds and could no longer watch TV or even listen to music. This will not define me. I am now a survivor and a protector."

Third Victim's Mother:
(Speaking to Henderson) "Do you know the meaning of conscious? You were consumed by an evil impulse. You deserve no mercy. You took possession of our daughter, only temporarily, we will endure. 

Third Victim's Father:
(Looking directly at Henderson, who refused to make eye contact) "You thought you were above the law. I’m a Dad. Real fathers work to provide for their families. You decided it was better to steal from people. What right do you have to do that? You are not fit for society. You are less than a man."

Arthur Henderson:
(Speaking to Judge McDaniel) “Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have been in this condition. No one is perfect; I ask that you treat me fairly.  Regardless of the sentence, I have already been judged. Prior to this, I have never done anything, never had a domestic. I don’t know what else to say. This is mind blowing.”

Prosecutor Laura Ditka:
(After sentencing) “You could see his (Henderson’s) reaction to these very moving and heartfelt statements. He was unmoved, smirking at some points, disinterested. He has a lengthy criminal history; he is a danger to society. Anybody who could be as callous and cruel as he has been from the time of the acts, straight through this entire event, is the definition of danger. I hope he never sees the light of day. He’s about 40 years old, and 61 years should ensure that. 

(on the victims) "I think their words were the most powerful. This will not define them. But this will change them. When you see when people are physically harmed, an outward injury, it’s easy for us as human beings to understand. When it’s inward and your sense of self and your sense of security and your sense of purpose is taken away, I think that’s much more difficult. And these three women have gone on. They have careers, they are maintaining their families and their lives which is a real testament."

Judge Donna Jo McDaniel:
(Imposing Sentence) "You are a "serial rapist and a sociopath. It appears you have no ability to rehabilitate and thus you are the definition of danger. You have no regard for anyone, including your own children. You insulted the victims with your acts, then you insulted them again in court with your questions suggesting it was somehow consensual. It’s over now.”

Henderson has indicated he will appeal his sentence and conviction, but Ditka said she isn't worried.

"The police did a wonderful job in this case. They rallied together in a number of departments, led by Ross, they absolutely locked up this case to protect the community," she said. "Hopefully their good work will make this a solid case, which will sustain any appeals."

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