BOSTON — A man has been accused of raping a fellow patient in the emergency room of Boston Medical Center.
Barry Howze, 55, appeared in court on Monday facing serious charges that stem from an alleged assault that occurred in mid-September, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Patient Safety Concerns and Hospital Security Lapses
Prosecutors allege that Howze was at the hospital pending a psychiatric evaluation and was supposed to be under constant supervision. However, he managed to evade security measures and roamed the emergency room freely.
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The alleged assault took place shortly after midnight on September 14, when Howze was captured on security camera footage entering the hospital bay of a partially paralyzed female patient, reports MassLive.
Assistant District Attorney Kate Fraiman provided a chilling account of the events during the court proceedings. She stated that Howze allegedly slid under the victim’s bed and disabled her medical monitors, including her call button, to avoid detection.
“He took the call button from her hand and placed it on the ground, out of her reach,” Fraiman explained to WCVB, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim, who was unable to call for help due to her condition. Howze reportedly made a threatening gesture to silence her before committing the assault.
The victim’s ordeal ended when a nurse noticed Howze under the bed. After the victim expressed that she did not know him and felt unsafe, Howze fled the scene. Despite his initial escape, he was later identified and apprehended when he returned to the hospital two days later and was recognized by hospital security.
Boston Hospital Rape Case Court Proceedings
Howze’s criminal history is extensive, with records of both violent and non-violent offenses, as well as drug-related charges. His mental health issues, including schizophrenia, were also highlighted during this week’s hearing.
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Defense attorney Thomas Glynn partially blamed the hospital for failing to prevent the incident, suggesting lapses in their security protocols, reports Boston.com. Howze has been indicted on multiple charges, including two counts of rape and one count of witness intimidation.
The case has sparked discussions about hospital security and patient safety, particularly concerning individuals with known psychiatric conditions.
Howze is currently held without bail and barred from Boston hospitals unless escorted by emergency medical services. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 26, where the proceedings will continue to unfold.
