By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
RIPLEY, Tenn. — An 87-year-old woman who spent years advocating for others is recovering from a violent attack inside her home as friends press for answers and accountability.
Erlin Gooch, a Black former civil rights activist, suffered broken bones and injuries to her head, face, and hands during the Sept. 9 robbery. She was receiving treatment at a rehabilitation facility, according to reports published in early October.
A friend became concerned after she couldn’t reach Gooch and went to check on her. Police found her injured in a back room. Her purse, wallet, cellphone, and bank card were missing, according to reporting that cited investigators.
Gooch told investigators she recognized someone involved in the attack. Authorities said they had identified persons of interest, but the early October reports reviewed did not announce arrests. This review found no later arrest announcement.
Longtime friend Joyce Cotton described Gooch’s continuing pain and fear. She also alleged that Gooch’s bank card had been used to withdraw money after the robbery. That account remains attributed to Cotton.
Cotton called for serious charges and planned to seek additional information from local officials, church leaders, and NAACP representatives. Her request for attempted murder charges was an appeal for action, not an announced charging decision.
Gooch’s response combined compassion with a demand for accountability.
“The person definitely needs help, but I also want justice,” she told WREG, according to EURweb.
“My desire is that no one else has to go through this,” Gooch said.