This is remarkably similar to what happened in the case of Kitty Genovese, which prompted a flurry of research into bystander behaviour. In the case of Kitty Genovese, 38 witnesses apparently did not respond to her cries for help while she was being raped and murdered, however, the original article in the New York Times has been disputed for sensationalising the events in such a way that there are factual inaccuracies – none of the witnesses saw the crime in its entirety. Many witnesses did not realise the seriousness of the incident because they only witnessed small portions of it and no-one witnessed the final attack where the rape took place.

Studies into bystander behaviour have shown, nevertheless, that witnesses are often reluctant to act, particularly if there are other people present. See bystander behaviour for more details.

Winston Moseley, the rapist and murderer of Kitty Genovese was recently denied parole at a hearing on March 13, 2008.

Hit and run article: http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_23519.aspx

Four 911 calls made: (http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/993582,CST-NWS-hit07.article