5 attacks. Similar descriptions.Suspect details same in sexually oriented cases; intruder targeted college-age women By Nadine Parks (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Provided Suspect sketch 
The Post and Courier Resources People Against Rape: 745-0144, peopleagainstrape.org. SCCADVSA: The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 803-256-2900, sccadvasa.org. Safety tips Install strong locks on all doors and windows. Don't let anyone in your home if you have any doubts or uneasy feelings about them. If you live in an apartment building, be sure when you let yourself in the main door that no one is coming in with you. If you are walking alone at night, stay near the curb, away from alleys and vacant lots. If you leave your car in a parking garage, memorize exactly where it is so you don't have to wander around looking for it. — People Against Rape Previous storiesPolice offer little about burglaries -- 6.25.2008 Police look for links in cases -- 6.24.2008 Residents lock up after attacks -- 6.19.2008 Police warn residents about break-ins, attack -- 6.18.2008 Five college-age women. All confronted in the middle of the night by an intruder inside their homes. There are sexual aspects in each case. Police are not using the term serial rapist and are not yet prepared to say even that it's the same man, but in nearly each confrontation the description is the same. He's a tall, heavy-set black man with puffy cheeks and short hair or a shaved head. Authorities released a new sketch on Wednesday. "We're going to continue to investigate each one of these until we can either eliminate them from being connected or we can prove that they are," Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen said. Evidence that police found directly links two of them. Police are searching back in their files to see if there are any more related cases. Mullen said the similarities started to become apparent after two recent cases downtown near the College of Charleston. A woman was raped during a June 14 break-in on Radcliffe Street, and there was a burglary and attempted sexual assault May 27 on Smith Street. Police found that physical evidence in the Radcliffe Street case is linked to a break-in and rape June 8, 2007, on Mosstree Road in North Charleston. As police searched for similar cases, they found two more downtown cases from last year. On April 28, 2007, a Medical University of South Carolina student went to smoke a cigarette on her porch about 2:45 a.m., and as she opened her door, a man pushed his way inside her Vanderhorst Street home, a police report said. Once inside, he threw her onto her bed and removed a light bulb, leaving the room in darkness. He walked around the apartment, took money and fled. The woman had left bars on Market Street and had walked home, the report said. A recent college graduate on July 22 of last year left a King Street bar, and when she arrived at her downtown home with a female friend about 2:30 a.m., she set her purse down and her friend went to the restroom. As she tried to lock the deadbolt at her Felix Street residence, a man forced the door open and shoved her to the ground in the living room. Her friend came out of the bathroom and also was forced to the ground. The man made one of the women lie atop the other and ran his hands across her legs trying to touch her under her shorts, the report said. Each time the women tried to look up, the intruder slammed their heads back down. Charleston and North Charleston police are working together to solve the cases, Mullen said. He said authorities are utilizing every resource in an effort to pinpoint a suspect. The FBI is assisting with analysis, and police are coordinating with the 9th Circuit Solicitor's Office, Mullen said. He said police also are working with neighborhood associations downtown to get the word out. "What we're recommending is that everybody keep their doors and windows closed and locked and that they use security systems if they have them," the chief said. "Be cognizant of what's going on around your neighborhood. If you see anything whatsoever that's suspicious, call 911. We want to get out there and check it out." Said Mullen: "We are doing everything we can to resolve this case. We're taking it very seriously. The safety of the community is our number one priority." Reach Nadine Parks at 937-5573 or nparks@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 21 comment(s)
Posted by CedarPosts on June 26, 2008 at 2:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like the PnC turned up the heat on Andy and Barney.
The facts about these cases should have been the subject of last week's press release rather than detailing the "crack down" on concert patrons at the Joe Riley Stadium.
CPD needs to focus on crimes against persons and property not trying to control the drinking habits of Bull Dog, Art Gallery and Dave Matthews fans.
More jabs at the CPD at http://cedarposts.blogspot.com
Posted by jammer on June 26, 2008 at 5:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
here we go again.... hopefully they catch this guy a lot faster than they did procter
girls, don't go out or walk alone and be extremely aware of your surroundings along with who's in them please...
windows closed n locked and doors locked, use common sense
Posted by wonderdog on June 26, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As usual, here come the CJ experts. Do you really think that Chief Mullen picks up the P&C and uses it to plan his day, or that he is should give the newspaper a list of every case his officers work on a daily basis?
Put down the remote!
Posted by LifetimeLearner on June 26, 2008 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just by looking at the headline and reading the story...you can tell P&C is all about TABLOID JOURNALISM!
Posted by charlene68 on June 26, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get a Gun !!! when he comes in ..blow his head off !!! Im so tired of all these rapist praying on women. most of them defenseless... If he comes in your house , shoot him !!
Posted by lucy_fan on June 26, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
charlene, I am with you on that, however, what are you supposed to do when a man who is larger and stronger than you pushes his way against you to gain entry to your home as you are trying to get in as well??
These people are sick, pathetic pos and hopefully will be caught and sentenced. Oh, wait a minute, nothing will happen to them because we can't give them the electric chair, they will say they are mentally unstable or some other kind of bs and be right back out there again.
Posted by common_sense on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Did anyone consider that even rapists need luvin too?
I'm just sayin...
Posted by lowcountrylover on June 26, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WANTED POSTERS SHOULD BE PUT UP ALL AROUND CHARLESTON. $500.00 REWARD. DEAD OR ALIVE!!!!!!!!
Posted by lucy_fan on June 26, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
common_sense- that stupid statement has no humor in it whatsoever, sick or otherwise.
Posted by Cougars787 on June 26, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CPD should try to bait this guy by following an actor home from the bars on upper king. As soon as he makes his move they arrest him.
Posted by common_sense on June 26, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for being the room mother, Lucy. You're doing a heck of a job!
I'm just sayin...
Posted by lucy_fan on June 26, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, thanks common_sense! I do try.
I'm just sayin....
Posted by JAMJOH on June 26, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
common_sense your doing a great job being the room idiot. But anyway, how about a can of pepperspray, it's not quite a gun, but it would be better than the defense tactics currently being used.
Posted by Girleygirl on June 26, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like this man is stalking his victims. I don't think if they had a weapon not much could be done since he's already stalking and profiling his victims.
If they don't want to call him a serial rapist, I will because it sounds like it!
Posted by echo on June 26, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
why should they say what the evidence is? What does that do for you? The rapist might be reading the newspaper or listening to the news and realize what evidence he is leaving behind, and correct it, thereby making it harder for the authorities to catch him. I see nothing wrong with playing cards close to the chest. Why give him the information?
Posted by coolfreaknbeans on June 26, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems like he's stalking them because he seems to be there at just the "right" time.I hope they're questioning bartenders and other bar patrons to see if theyve seen this guy around.Early I'm curious as to the answers to those questions too.What bars?What race?Any common threads?
Posted by lucy_fan on June 26, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That's what it sounds like to me also, girleygirl. The only thing I guess you can do is stay at home and never go outside, never open the door, and basically live like a hermit. That's not living. I hope they get some leads soon and get him off the streets. But the key is to put him away and keep him away FOREVER.
Posted by Girleygirl on June 26, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lucy- the sad part is some of these ladies were home when they were attack so we can't let fear take over. I feel sorry for them. You would think home is safe, poor kids.
Ladies watch your back. When you are walking home and it seem like the same person is following you, call the police. I rather be safe and paranoid any day!
Posted by walleyedwoman1215 on June 26, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy is escalating in his use of force and will eventually kill a woman if not caught. Reminds me of the Boston Strangler, who raped dozens of women in their homes before embarking on murder. Women... be aware, be paranoid, be prepared with pepper spray. Do not assume it can't happen to you, because it can and will, even in the historic Holy City. Moonlight and magnolias do not inhibit crime....
Posted by bkeelin on June 26, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Concealed weapons with a permit would help them, if they learn how to use the handgun and if they live alone putting one under the pillow is not a bad idea either.
I have a brand new baby girl and when she gets old enough you can bet I will be showing her how to shoot guns the same way I teach my boys to shoot guns.
Posted by CedarPosts on June 26, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Supreme Court strikes down the DC gun ban, the second amendment reaffirmed.
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.
The weapon of choice CofC College Coeds?
Springfield Armory 9 mm Sub Compact. Carry one of these and say good-bye to date rape, hello to Mister Respect!
http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php...
Small lightweight, lots of safety features and one shot big drop impact.