Nationwide — Erlin Gooch, an 87-year-old African American former civil rights activist from Ripley, Tennessee, is recovering in a rehabilitation facility after a brutal home invasion left her badly injured and nearly dead. She was attacked inside her home on September 9, and police said she was found lying in a back room with blood covering her head. Her purse, wallet, cellphone, and bank card were gone after the attack.
A friend became worried after failing to reach Gooch and eventually went to check on her. When police arrived, the elderly woman had blood covering her head. She told investigators that someone punched her in the face and struck her head. She suffered a severely swollen eye, multiple cuts to her head, two broken arms, and serious injuries to several fingers, according to WREG.
Her longtime friend Joyce Cotton said Gooch also had a large injury on her back that appeared to have been caused by someone stomping on her. Cotton said the injuries were so severe that she believes the attackers left Gooch expecting her to die. The suspects allegedly did not call 911 or make any attempt to get medical help after leaving her inside the home.
The investigation has also raised concerns about financial exploitation. Gooch told police she recognized one of her attackers from her neighborhood. She later gave investigators at least four names that could help identify those involved. Cotton said Gooch’s bank card was later used to withdraw money through people connected to the suspects. Police have confirmed they have persons of interest but have not announced any arrests.
Gooch has spent much of her life helping others. Cotton said she became involved in the civil rights movement when she was young and later continued advocating for people’s rights. She also earned a doctorate in theology. Despite what happened to her, Gooch reportedly told police that she wanted to help the people who attacked her. Cotton, however, believes those responsible should face serious charges, including possible attempted murder, because they allegedly left Gooch badly injured without calling for help.
Gooch is now receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility as she continues to recover. Cotton said she still experiences significant pain and has good days and bad days. She also remains afraid following the attack. Cotton plans to attend a Ripley Board of Aldermen meeting with church leaders and NAACP representatives in an effort to draw more attention to the case. She wants local officials and police to provide more information and continue working to identify those responsible.