Colo. detectives use MySpace to ID suspects

updated 7:57 a.m. ET March 26, 2006

BOULDER, Colo. - Detectives used profiles posted on the MySpace social networking Web site to identify six suspects in a rape and robbery that began when a party turned violent, leaving blood “in almost every room of the house,” officials said.

Six men were arrested in connection with the Feb. 23 rampage, and a seventh suspect was being sought, Detective Ali Bartley said Friday.

The victim, whose name was withheld, became acquainted with the suspects through MySpace, authorities said.

The group met for a party. “At some point, the victim was no longer aware of what was happening, and she was sexually assaulted,” Bartley said.

She knew only their first names but their pictures were posted on MySpace.

“Primarily, we pulled up her friends list. It helped us identify some of the players,” said Bartley.

The men face charges ranging from sexual assault to felony theft. Some $40,000 in electronics, jewelry, clothing and other items were taken, authorities said. About $13,000 worth of stolen goods have been recovered.

“There was blood in almost every room of the house,” she said. “There were broken pictures and statues. They stole stereo equipment. The media center was bare.”

Nicolas Brison, 18, was charged with rape. The five other men ranged in age from 18 to 20. They were charged on March 7 and hearings are set for April 6.

MySpace drew 28 million visitors in December.

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