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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Serial Rapist No Longer Preying on Victims in Jackson
Rape and sexual assault are traumatic violent crimes. The long-term psychological and emotional effects can never be fully erased, but obtaining justice against someone who has committed the assault can begin the healing process and potentially save others from the same experience.
Wilfred Cornelius Powell, a 37-year-old Jackson man, was convicted of raping a college student on March 10, 2005, at the North Hill Square Apartments in Jackson. He remains in custody at the Hinds County Detention Center and is now believed to be a serial rapist as evidence links him to other assaults.
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said DNA evidence links Powell to an assault eight days earlier at Hallmark Gardens and another one a year earlier at North Hill Square.
Testimony during the trial also revealed how Powell broke into the victim's apartment at night while she was asleep. He then raped her at knife point. The victim didn't know Powell but her description of the attacker was enough for police to find him. Powell was arrested 20 days after attacking the North Hill Square resident. A photo lineup identified Powell as the assailant.
Aside from already having obtained DNA evidence, the method used for the assaults implicated Powell. The attacker used a knife in the other two cases, as well.
Smith said the conviction “sends a message that we are vigorously prosecuting violent crimes."
Too often, victims of sexual assault fear the experience of having to re-live the tragedy in a court room while facing their attacker. While it is terribly difficult to report rape and to pursue a criminal case, having the strength and courage to do so is an important step.
If you or someone you love has suffered through a violent sexual attack, an experienced and compassionate trial lawyer can assist you in obtaining justice. Please contact The Cochran Firm in Jackson, Mississippi to schedule a consultation so that you can be best represented in your case.
Wilfred Cornelius Powell, a 37-year-old Jackson man, was convicted of raping a college student on March 10, 2005, at the North Hill Square Apartments in Jackson. He remains in custody at the Hinds County Detention Center and is now believed to be a serial rapist as evidence links him to other assaults.
Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith said DNA evidence links Powell to an assault eight days earlier at Hallmark Gardens and another one a year earlier at North Hill Square.
Testimony during the trial also revealed how Powell broke into the victim's apartment at night while she was asleep. He then raped her at knife point. The victim didn't know Powell but her description of the attacker was enough for police to find him. Powell was arrested 20 days after attacking the North Hill Square resident. A photo lineup identified Powell as the assailant.
Aside from already having obtained DNA evidence, the method used for the assaults implicated Powell. The attacker used a knife in the other two cases, as well.
Smith said the conviction “sends a message that we are vigorously prosecuting violent crimes."
Too often, victims of sexual assault fear the experience of having to re-live the tragedy in a court room while facing their attacker. While it is terribly difficult to report rape and to pursue a criminal case, having the strength and courage to do so is an important step.
If you or someone you love has suffered through a violent sexual attack, an experienced and compassionate trial lawyer can assist you in obtaining justice. Please contact The Cochran Firm in Jackson, Mississippi to schedule a consultation so that you can be best represented in your case.
Labels: Jackson
posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 11:51 AM
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