Rapist Sentenced To 40 Years For Loch Raven 'Hack' Attack

TOWSON, MD — A Baltimore man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Wednesday for a rape that happened in the parking lot of Loch Raven High School.

Brandon Saunders, 30, of the 3900 block of Eierman Avenue, was

Saunders was described by prosecutors as a "hack," or someone who operates an illegal taxi. His victim had gotten into an argument with a friend and was waiting for a bus in Baltimore City when Saunders offered to take her to her father's house, investigators said.

While they were driving, the victim asked where they were going, since the driver was not headed toward her father's house, and officials said he began to attack her in the car.

The attack occurred in the back parking lot of Loch Raven High School around 3 a.m. on July 28, 2019.

After Saunders threatened the victim's life and raped her, prosecutors said he went to the trunk to get a weapon, and the victim ran through a wooded area — barefoot — onto I-695. There, she flagged down a driver for help. It was about 4:30 a.m. when a passerby called 911 upon seeing her, bloodied and disheveled from the attack, police said.

DNA recovered from the victim matched DNA connected to another rape in Baltimore City, a piece of evidence that was "vital," according to lead prosecutor Lisa Dever.

On Nov. 16, a jury found Saunders guilty of the following:

• First- and second-degree rape
• First- and second-degree assault
• Kidnapping
• Theft less than $100

Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Nancy Purpura sentenced Saunders on Wednesday to 40 years for the rape and 30 years for kidnapping, to be served concurrently.

She called his crimes "brutal" and said Saunders "did not show a hint of remorse," in a statement.

Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger thanked the victim as well as prosecutors.

“I particularly want to commend the victim of this crime for her strength and willingness to follow this case through to a just result," Shellenberger said in a statement Wednesday after sentencing. He thanked the prosecutors and judge for ensuring "this reprehensible crime was addressed and that the citizens of this State are protected for a long time from Brandon Saunders."

See Also:

Loch Raven Parking Lot Rapist IDed Through DNA: Prosecutors