ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996               TAG: 9606190067
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JON CAWLEY 

GIRLS CONVICTED OF MURDER TRY AT COYNER SPRINGS

Three girls charged in an attack on a Coyner Springs Detention Center employee in May were found guilty Tuesday of attempted murder.

The girls, aged 17, 15 and 13, whose names are not being released because of their ages, also were found guilty in Botetourt County Juvenile and Domestic Relations court of attempted escape from the center, said Joel Branscom, commonwealth's attorney.

Mary C. Gardner, 48, was attacked May 19 after she gave bed linens to the 17-year-old. When Gardner turned her back, the girl wrapped a sheet around her neck, choking her. The other two juveniles pulled Gardner to the ground, and one girl sprayed deodorant in her mouth. Gardner was treated for neck and mouth injuries.

A sentencing hearing will be held July 23, Branscom said.

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