A man who says he was beaten and raped as a teen at a youth detention center in New Hampshire testified about his experiences in court. David Meehan spent three years at the Youth Development Center in the late 1990s and has since come forward with his story. He described the impact of his abuse on his life, including struggles with drug addiction, suicide attempts, and thoughts of seeking revenge against his abusers. Meehan eventually went to the police in 2017 and filed a lawsuit against the state.
Meehan’s allegations have led to a criminal investigation into the Manchester facility, now known as the Sununu Youth Services Center. He testified that he tried to seek revenge against his alleged abusers, including purchasing a gun with the intent to kill one of them. However, he ultimately decided against violence and confided in his wife instead. Meehan’s decision to speak up has sparked a larger conversation about the negligence of the state in allowing abuse to occur at the youth detention center.
The legal proceedings surrounding Meehan’s case have created a complex dynamic, with former residents serving as both witnesses in criminal trials against former workers and plaintiffs in civil cases against the state. During the trial, Meehan faced cross-examination, where he was questioned about his behavior and disciplinary record while at the youth center. The defense sought to discredit Meehan by highlighting past incidents of violence and disputes with his family, but Meehan maintained that his actions were a result of the abuse he suffered.
Meehan described the abuse he endured at the hands of staff members at the youth center, testifying that he was a victim of daily assaults and violence. He shared details of being locked in his room for extended periods, hidden from view while his injuries healed. Despite attempts to seek help, Meehan claimed that he was often dismissed or ignored by staff members when he reported the abuse. The trial has shed light on the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur unchecked for years.
The emotional toll of the abuse on Meehan was evident in his testimony, as he described how each incident of assault took a piece of him away. He detailed the physical and emotional trauma he endured during his time at the youth center, painting a bleak picture of the conditions he faced. Meehan’s decision to come forward and share his story is a brave and necessary step towards seeking justice for himself and other survivors of abuse at the facility. The trial is set to resume on Monday, continuing the legal battle for accountability and restitution for the victims of the New Hampshire youth detention center.
