Trending Now - Decades-old Murder Case Solved as Suspects Finally Apprehended
WHO:
NBC News - Covington Police Department Chief Michael Ferrell stated, "The resolution of Roxanne Sharp’s case is a testament to what happens when dedicated law enforcement officers refuse to let a victim be forgotten."
Fox News - Billy Williams III claimed, "He thinks they’re putting him in for something he didn’t do. He says he would never in his life hurt anyone."
NBC News - Herbert Joiner, a former Louisiana police officer, had been haunted by the case of Roxanne Sharp.
Fox News - Four men charged: Perry Wayne Taylor (64), Darrell Dean Spell (64), Carlos Cooper (64), and Billy Williams Jr. (62).
Fox News - Michele Lappin, Roxanne Sharp's niece, expressed hope for closure.
Fox News - Billy Williams III, son of Billy Williams Jr., claimed his father did not kill Sharp.
WHAT:
NBC News - The case involved the brutal gang rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp.
Fox News - The four men were charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder in connection with Sharp's killing.
Fox News - The arrests occurred on April 21 and 22.
Fox News - New DNA technology and a podcast helped generate new leads and witness cooperation.
Fox News - The podcast titled "Who Killed Roxanne" was produced in collaboration with local radio host Charles Dowdy.
WHERE:
Fox News - Roxanne Sharp was found dead in a wooded area in Covington, Louisiana.
Fox News - The podcast was produced by the Northshore Media Group.
WHEN:
Fox News - Roxanne Sharp was found dead on February 12, 1982.
Fox News - The podcast was produced in 2025.
WHY:
Fox News - The case went cold due to a lack of public cooperation and limited physical evidence.
HOW:
Fox News - The Louisiana State Police emphasized that "these arrests highlight the continued commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, regardless of how much time has passed."
Fox News - The Louisiana State Police credited advancements in investigative techniques and interagency cooperation for solving the case.
(UPDATED April 29, 2026 05:52 UTC)
The Covington Police Department's Chief Michael Ferrell praised the resolution of Roxanne Sharp’s case, highlighting the dedication of law enforcement officers who refuse to let victims be forgotten. Meanwhile, Billy Williams III expressed his belief that he is being wrongfully accused, insisting he would never harm anyone. The Louisiana State Police underscored that these arrests demonstrate their ongoing commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has elapsed.
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(UPDATED April 28, 2026 23:21 UTC)
In a significant development, four men have been charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder in connection with the brutal gang rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp, who was found dead in a wooded area in Covington, Louisiana, back in 1982. The arrests, which took place on April 21 and 22, were made possible through new DNA technology and the podcast "Who Killed Roxanne," produced by the Northshore Media Group in collaboration with local radio host Charles Dowdy. Michele Lappin, Roxanne's niece, expressed hope for closure as the case, which had gone cold due to limited evidence and public cooperation, is now being revisited thanks to advancements in investigative techniques.