Disabled Rabun County Woman Beaten, Family Says

By , SKY 104, Clayton

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged abuse of a disabled woman.

On April 3rd, Rabun County EMS as well as the Mountain City Police Department and the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office responded to a location in reference to the alleged assault of a disabled adult, identified as 22-year old Ashley Hamilton of Clayton.  Hamilton suffers from a severe form of autism, according to family members.

The family told an Atlanta TV station Hamilton is not able to tell authorities what happened to her, but said she was beaten about the head and feet while staying with relatives.  The family set up a Facebook page to help find out who attacked Hamilton.

Witnesses told investigators that the injuries occurred on April 2nd, and the following day, a home health professional encouraged Hamilton be taken to a hospital to have her injuries examined.

“I’m certainly emotionally effected and very concerned over the thoughts of anyone being calloused enough to hurt any innocent person,” said Rabun County Sheriff’s Investigator Gerald Johnson. “This case involves several persons of interest. We must be diligent in our efforts to find as much tangible evidence as possible since our victim in not in a position to tell us what happened to her. It is in the interest of justice to see that no stone is left unturned.”

Multiple agencies and professionals have been and will be consulted during this ongoing case, and a referral has been made to the Georgia Department of Adult Protective Services.

Over 6,000 people have joined a Facebook group created in support of Hamilton.