Brooklyn gang rape suspects to be released while district attorney builds case

BROWNSVILLE, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Eyewitness News has learned that the District Attorney's Office will not meet its Friday deadline to secure indictments against the five teenagers charged in a gang rape at a Brooklyn park.

That means four of the five suspects will be released without bail or have their bail refunded if they already posted it, while the fifth suspect is being held on a prior charge.

All five are still accused of raping the 18-year-old victim after pointing a gun at the teen's father.

But prosecutors say they will not meet the window to secure the indictments and need more time. They will now use the next 180 days, as allowed by law, to build their case.

"Because we are determined to get to the truth about what happened in that park, we need more time to investigate this complex case and gather more evidence," Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said. "So therefore, we have consented to the defendants' release."

Fifteen-year-old Shaquell Cooper is expected to remain in custody. A prior arrest in October for attempted murder had been downgraded to assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, but authorities say Cooper did not abide by the conditions of his agreement with the court to attend an alternative incarceration program for young offenders.

As a result, Cooper will continue to be held on that failure to appear.