Newark Schoolyard Killings Survivor Testifies at Trial

The survivor of an attack that killed three college-aged friends has testified in a civil trial against the school district that she felt safe entering the New Jersey schoolyard but once attacked thought she might die.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reports that the woman testified Monday in a lawsuit filed by the parents of Iofemi Hightower, Dashon Harvey and Terrance Aeriel. The four had attended or were considering attending Delaware State University when they were slain behind Newark's Mount Vernon School in August 2007.

The Associated Press isn't naming the survivor because of sexual assault charges against two defendants.

The families' lawsuit claims the school district was negligent for leaving the gates open at night when it was a known gang hangout.

All six defendants are serving prison terms.

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