Suspect escapes during Texas girl assault trial

Unfreakinbelievable

One of more than a dozen men and boys accused in the repeated sexual assault of an 11-year-old Texas girl escaped from the courthouse during a break in his trial after the child tearfully testified and jurors watched a video showing one of the alleged assaults.

Eric McGowen, 20, is the first of 14 adults to face trial, accused of sexually assaulting the girl during three months in 2010. Six juveniles also are charged in the attacks in Cleveland, a small town about 45 miles northeast of Houston.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys huddled briefly with Judge Mark Morefield after McGowen failed to return to the courtroom in nearby Liberty following an afternoon break Wednesday.

Morefield said a bench warrant had been issued and that the trial would go on without McGowen. Bail was increased from $35,000 to $250,000.

Defense attorney Matthew Poston and prosecutors did not comment on McGowen's disappearance because of a gag order. The Liberty County Sheriff's Office had no update early Thursday on whether