High School Student Facing Life In Prison For Rape Prank On Teacher A High school student who tied up his teacher and attempted to force her into a car with a knife during what he called a “senior prank,”could be sentenced to life in prison as a result. via Mercury News A former Redwood City high school student faces a maximum of life in prison after being convicted of the attempted rape and kidnapping of a teacher which he testified was a prank intended just to scare her. The jury deliberated just 90 minutes Wednesday before returning guilty verdicts an all charges against David Velasquez, 21, including kidnapping with the intent to commit r*pe. The convictions carry a possible life sentence for the ex-Summit Preparatory Charter High School student, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. In nearly emotionless testimony Velasquez told how he hid between some garbage cans in the school parking garage in January 2012 and then “popped out” behind the teacher. After grabbing her with one arm and pointing a knife he held in his other hand at her side, he ordered her to her car parked 80 feet away. The attack ended when another teacher happened upon the crime and screamed. “This is what they call a senior prank,” Velasquez said while under questioning from Deputy District Attorney Tricia Povah. “I decided to do one.” The evening of the attack Velasquez testified he put on sunglasses, a stocking cap, covered his face with a scarf and changed his shirt before crouching between some plastic garbage cans in the parking garage. When the teacher emerged from the school he said he jumped out behind her, prompting her to laugh at first. Velasquez said the “prank” was supposed to be end with him pushing the teacher into her car and slamming the door. Really?? “It was a prank” is the BEST he could do on trial for his life? SMH.
