A 47‑year‑old man has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 years behind bars after prosecutors proved he kidnapped and raped an 11‑year‑old girl in North Philadelphia in February 2025.
The conviction was announced by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office on Monday.
Horace Battle, already a registered sex offender, was found guilty of multiple serious offenses.
His sentence will range from 15 to 34 years, plus a period of probation.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of child safety in the city.
Battle had previously been convicted in 2013 for the rape of a child.
That earlier conviction had placed him on the state’s sex offender registry.
The February incident added new charges to his criminal record.
The Crime
According to prosecutors, Battle approached two 11‑year‑old sisters on the street in North Philadelphia.
He offered them a ride in his white Chevy Equinox.
Both girls initially declined the offer, but Battle persisted until they agreed.
He then drove them to his residence at 1635 W. Lehigh Avenue.
Investigation
Once at the house, Battle asked if the girls wanted to use the restroom.
One sister declined and stayed in the car while the other entered the home.
After about fifteen minutes, the girl who remained in the car became frightened.
She ran down the street and shouted for help, prompting a neighbor to call 911.
Police Response
Philadelphia police located Battle’s car and identified it as his.
They subsequently searched his home, where they found him in only his underwear.
At the same time, the girl was present with him in the house.
The discovery confirmed the allegations of kidnapping and sexual assault.
Hospital
The girl was taken to a hospital for medical care and to provide testimony.
During her time in the hospital, she began to recount the events that had transpired.
Prosecutors stated that she had been held at Battle’s home for nine hours.
The nine‑hour confinement was a key element in the prosecution’s case.
Trial and Verdict
Battle was convicted of rape of a child, kidnapping, and unlawful contact of a minor.
The jury found him guilty on all counts presented by the prosecution.
The trial included evidence of the girl’s nine‑hour stay and the circumstances of the kidnapping.
The verdict was delivered during a court session in February 2025.
Additional Convictions
Beyond the primary charges, Battle was also convicted of violating his probation.
The violation stemmed from his earlier 2013 conviction and ongoing supervision.
Prosecutors argued that his continued presence in the community posed a danger.
This additional conviction carried a separate sentence of three to ten years.
Sentencing Details
The judge imposed a total sentence of 15 to 34 years in prison.
The range reflects the combination of the rape, kidnapping, and probation violation sentences.
Battle will serve the full term unless parole is granted.
The sentencing decision was based on the severity of the offenses and the victim’s age.
Probation
In addition to imprisonment, Battle will be placed on a three‑year probation period.
During probation, he must comply with all conditions set by the court.
Failure to meet these conditions could result in additional penalties.
The probation serves as a safeguard to monitor his post‑release conduct.
Key Takeaways
- Horace Battle, a 47‑year‑old registered sex offender, was convicted of kidnapping and raping an 11‑year‑old girl.
- He was sentenced to 15‑34 years in prison and three years of probation.
- The case involved a nine‑hour confinement at Battle’s home, confirmed by police and hospital testimony.
Closing
The conviction underscores the legal system’s commitment to protecting children from predatory offenders.
The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to prevent such crimes in the community.
