Rape, slaying of girl prompt review of electronic monitoring

ANDERSON, Ind. - A 16-year-old boy wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet allegedly broke into a neighbor's home and raped and killed a teen-age girl, prompting state officials to review their policy on house arrest.

Joshua James Davies had been on house arrest for violating probation. His electronic monitor was set to allow him free movement within 150 feet of his home, the standard policy for juveniles, correction spokeswoman Pam Pattison said. Since the victim's home was within that circle, the monitor did not alert authorities, she said.

Officials may consider lowering the range to 50 feet because of Wednesday's assault, Pattison said.

Davies allegedly crawled into the home of the victim, Jessica Lyons, through a kitchen window and then went into the basement. He found the 13-year-old girl asleep, raped her and beat her, police said.

The girl's screams woke up her 16-year-old stepsister, Lindsay Haston, who rushed into the room and was attacked when she confronted the intruder, police said.

Davies then ran from the house with the father of the 13-year-old in pursuit, triggering the electronic monitoring bracelet, police said.

Jessica died Thursday from her injuries. The stepsister had to have surgery to reduce swelling in her brain caused by the attack.

Davies was charged with rape, attempted murder and burglary. Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings was considering upgrading the charges to murder.