A four-day sentencing hearing in the sexual assault cases involving former Michigan State and USA Gymnastics doctor began Tuesday when a woman who was molested by Nassar described how the doctor destroyed her life and drove her father to suicide.
The first accuser out of nearly 100 women who are expected to come forward, Kyle Stephens, spoke Tuesday testifying that she was first assaulted by Nassar when she was in kindergarten.
NBC News reported Nassar held his face in his hands and refused to look at Stephens as she testified that for years Nassar sexually assaulted her as a child by masturbating with lotion in front of her, rubbing her foot on his genitals and violating her with his fingers.
A family friend of Stephens, the victim testified her parents did not believe her when she told them at age 12 because Nassar denied any wrongdoing. By the time Stephens left for college, her father started to believe her and eventually committed suicide in 2016.
"Had he not had to bear the shame and self-loathing that stemmed from his defense of Larry Nassar, I believe he would have had a fighting chance for his life," Stephens said of her father, according to NBC News.
Stephens went on to detail the depression, anxiety and eating disorders she experienced from living with Nassar’s abuse. She testified that many times she wanted to die because of the severity of the effects of Nassar’s assault in her life.
NBC News reported Stephens asked Ingham County Court Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to keep Nassar from any opportunities where he could harm another young girl.
"Little girls don't stay little forever," Stephens said to Nassar. "They turn into strong women who return to destroy your life."
Nassar, 54, is currently serving a 60-year sentence in federal prison for child pornography.
The former USA Gymnastics doctor has also been accused of molestation by former USA gymnasts Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglass and McKayla Maroney.
A live-stream of Nassar’s accusers taking the stand with their testimonies during sentencing can be watched below:
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