Man Charged With Rape and Attempted Murder in Memorial Day Incident in Chilmark

Bryant K. Brown, 33, of Boston was arraigned this morning on attempted murder, kidnapping, aggravated rape 3 counts, indecent assault and battery on a disabled person over 14, assault with intent to rape and threats to commit a crime-murder. He was held on $300,000 bail. The victim was a 28-year-old disabled woman.

According to a statement released by Chilmark Chief Brian A Cioffi, on Monday, May 28, Chilmark police arrested Brown, in connection with a report of an alleged assault that occurred that morning on an Oak Bluffs woman.

“The victim said she met Mr. Brown and his girlfriend Latoya Gatlin, 28, of Roslindale in Oak Bluffs Sunday evening and returned to their rented cottage at a local inn in Chilmark where the assault occurred after Ms. Gatlin passed out. The victim said she was held against her will,” the press release said.

West Tisbury Police received a call on Monday morning at approximately 5:30am from the victim after she managed to escape from the rental cottage and was walking on North Road.

Due to Brown’s violent criminal history, police decided to wait until the couple left the cottage and were in their vehicle before making the arrest.

Gatlin was also arrested for possession of a Class D substance with the intent to distribute and defrauding an inn keeper.

Police from Chilmark, West Tisbury, Aquinnah and State Police responded to the scene. Members of the State Police crime scene investigative unit assisted Chilmark sexual assault investigators in the investigation. Members of Coast Guard Station Menemsha assisted in the transportation of the State Police unit.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for June 4.