NEW ORLEANS – The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) secured a Grand Jury indictment for an Aggravated Rape, Second Degree Kidnapping, and Aggravated Burglary that occurred in October 2014.
“Solving and prosecuting cold case murders and sexual assaults is a key component of my office’s strategy to increase safety in New Orleans,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “We are thankful that my office’s SAKI Unit, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab, and New Orleans Police Department were able to work together to quickly secure an indictment in this cold case. This violent attack occurred in a home – a place where folks should always feel safe. I pray that this indictment is a step toward closure and justice for the victim and her family. This case is proof positive that it is never too late and that we should never give up.”
According to New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reports, in October 2014, the defendant broke into the home of a 21-year-old woman who was alone with her infant and proceeded to physically and sexually assault her. The 2014 case remained cold until a hit through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) on September 1, 2022 linked the defendant to the sexual assault kit after the incident. NOPD Detective Brandon McDonald was able to locate the defendant, collect DNA, and submit it to the Louisiana State Police within 30 days.
“This case is particularly heinous,” said OPDA Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Unit Chief Mary Glass. “It was one that our unit, in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department Cold Case Unit, and the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab kept revisiting since 2014. We are glad that DNA technology was able to lead our team to the indictment of the accused.”
To learn more, please visit orleansda.com.
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