10/03/2026
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An 87-year-old woman who spent part of her life fighting for the rights of others is now recovering after police say she was brutally attacked and robbed inside her own home in Ripley, Tennessee.
On September 9, Dr. Erlin Gooch was discovered lying on the floor in a back room of her home with her head covered in blood. Gooch told police she remembered being punched in the face and struck in the head before her purse, wallet, phone and credit card were taken.
Her longtime friend Joyce Cotton described an even more disturbing scene, saying Gooch suffered two broken arms, severely broken or fractured fingers, a swollen eye, multiple cuts across her head and a knot on her back from allegedly being stomped on. Cotton said she believes the attackers simply left the 87-year-old there to die.
“I believe they left her dead,” Cotton said.
Cotton said the suspects allegedly had a knife and were “just cutting the top of her head.” She also claims Gooch’s stolen bank card was later used to move or withdraw money.
Despite everything she endured, Gooch — who earned a doctorate in theology and spent years advocating for civil rights — reportedly told police that she still wanted to help the people who attacked her.
Three weeks later, Gooch remains in a rehabilitation facility, where Cotton says she has good days and bad days and continues to experience significant pain. No arrests have been announced. Ripley police say they have persons of interest but have not released additional details.
Cotton is now calling for more action, saying she believes those responsible should face attempted murder charges in addition to any other charges stemming from the attack.
“They just left her lying there in her blood on their floor.”
