– sexually assaulting female passenger on American Airlines flight
– assaulting London 15-year-old female passenger.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A 46-year-old man has admitted to sexually assaulting a teenage girl who was traveling alone on an American Airlines flight from San Diego to Philadelphia. The incident occurred when the victim fell asleep during the four and a half hour flight, and the suspect, identified as Edward Decker, took advantage of her vulnerable state.
The 15-year-old victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was seated in a window seat while Decker occupied the aisle seat with an empty middle seat between them. Court documents reveal that Decker falsely claimed to be a married father with a young daughter waiting for him at home in Philadelphia. He initiated conversation with the victim during the flight, making inappropriate comments about the book she was reading.
While the victim was asleep, she awoke to find Decker touching her inappropriately. He was described as being “all over her,” with one hand groping her breast under her shirt and the other hand rubbing her upper thigh area. Prosecutors further allege that Decker kissed the victim’s body and breast and continued to touch her inappropriately.
Upon being confronted by the victim, Decker moved back to his original seat. However, when the victim disembarked from the plane in Philadelphia, she felt threatened by Decker and sought refuge in a restroom for several minutes before asking to stand with a random couple at the baggage carousel. Decker allegedly approached her outside the airport, asking if he could see her again, prompting the victim to seek safety in her parents’ car before reporting the incident to the authorities.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero expressed deep concern over the disturbing nature of the case, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety of passengers, especially minors, during air travel. The sentencing for Decker has been scheduled for September 23, 2024, with a maximum possible sentence of three years imprisonment.
Reflecting on the incident, aviation expert Mateusz Maszczynski highlighted the concerning trend of in-flight sexual assaults targeting vulnerable passengers, particularly young females who may feel trapped in their seats. Victims often face challenges in reporting such incidents to flight attendants, fearing further harm from the perpetrator. Maszczynski underscored the need for improved responses from airlines and authorities to address and prevent such incidents in the future..
sexually assaulting female passenger American Airlines flight Philadelphia
assaulting London year old female passenger American Airlines flight Philadelphia.
