2 More Juveniles Arraigned in Gang Rape

Two more juveniles were arraigned Wednesday on charges that they participated in the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl in an abandoned house in Watts.

But sexual assault charges were dropped for undisclosed reasons against a 14-year-old who was one of four boys charged Monday in connection with the rape, said Suzanne Childs, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.

Two other juvenile rape suspects remain in custody, but no charges have been filed in their cases.

Authorities believe the rape led to the fatal July 26 shooting of 82-year-old Viola McClain, who lived in the house next to the abandoned home.

After the gang rape, the boys tried to burn down the house with the rape victim still inside, police said.

McClain’s grandson saw smoke coming from the house and went outside to confront the boys. When one of them pulled out a gun, police said, the grandson went inside his house to get a weapon.

McClain then stepped onto the porch and was shot, allegedly by a 12-year-old boy who was among those arraigned Monday.

No one has yet been charged in the shooting. The two boys, ages 12 and 16, arraigned on sexual assault charges Wednesday entered the equivalent of not guilty pleas.