A seven-year-old girl has helped save her sister by running for help while the 14-year-old was being raped. The two sisters were staying in the Pleasant Ridge Trailer Park in Russellville, Alabama, where they live with their aunt, McNatt on Wednesday, when the 14-year-old was given alcohol almost to the point of passing out.


A 30 –year-old man, Tony Nathan Grissom, then allegedly raped the girl. Her younger sister, who was there with her, saw the assault and ran to a neighbor's home for help.

Grissom was arrested by Franklin County Sheriff's deputies Thursday morning. Two others, Melinda McNatt, 51, and Amanda Byrd, 37, were also arrested.

McNatt and Byrd, her roommate, invited Grissom over to their home Wednesday night to drink and using meth, according to AL.com.

They gave alcohol to the 14-year-old girl as well.

'She got drunk, and Grissom took advantage of the situation. I just can't understand why a 30-year-old man has that kind of thought. It's just senseless and awful.' Oliver said to the outlet. 

The sheriff said the seven-year-old saw her sister was being hurt and tried to tell Byrd and McNatt, but they were passed out, so she ran to a neighbor who was able to stop the attack and call 911.

'Thank goodness she was there and had the courage to go get help,' Oliver said. 'It was bad enough, but it could have been a lot worse.'

The 14-year-old was taken to Russellville Hospital where she was treated and has been released.

All three adults were arrested Thursday. McNatt was charged with drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, endangering the welfare of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Grissom was charged with first-degree rape. He and McNatt are still in jail. 

Byrd was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She has been released on bail.

If he is convicted, Grissom could face up to life in prison.

Source: AL.com