Cape Girardeau teen faces hate crime charges

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Web Editor - Ryan Burkett

Story Created: Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:02 AM

Story Updated: Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:02 AM

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - A teenager faces hate crime charges this morning after police say she attacked a gay woman.

The Southeast Missourian reports that 17-year-old Mercedes Ayers of Cape Girardeau will be prosecuted as an adult.

This comes after police say Ayers started shouting anti-gay slurs outside the home of Jeana Terry and her partner.

Ayers is also accused of getting her 13-year-old sister and 11-year-old brother to pull Terry out of the house and attack her.

Terry suffered an eye injury, bruising and other injuries.

The 11-year-old is being held at a juvenile detention center while the 13-year-old is on probation.