Jury Deliberates Worcester Man's Trial for 2017 Child Assault and Bridge Incident

Joshua Hubert is on trial in Worcester, charged with kidnapping, raping, and attempting to murder a 7-year-old girl by throwing her off an Interstate 290 bridge into Lake Quinsigamond in 2017. The child survived the assault and subsequent fall, swimming to shore and seeking help. Hubert, a family friend who had attended a cookout with the girl's family, faces multiple charges including attempted murder, strangulation, kidnapping, and aggravated rape. Prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance footage and detailed allegations of Hubert's actions, while the defense highlighted inconsistencies in the girl's statements and introduced expert testimony questioning his presence near the bridge at the alleged time. Closing arguments concluded, and the jury began deliberations, but by mid-September no verdict had been reached. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the accusations and the survival of the young victim.