Thanks to advancements in DNA technology and the emergence of a podcast, four men in Louisiana have been charged in connection with the rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharpe, a case that has remained unsolved for 40 years.
Roxanne was discovered dead in a wooded area in Covington, Louisiana, on February 12, 1982. Authorities determined she had been raped and murdered, but they struggled to make arrests due to insufficient public cooperation and limited physical evidence, leaving the case cold for decades.
The accused are Perry Wayne Taylor, Darrell Dean Spell, Carlos Cooper, and Billy Williams Jr., all from Covington. They face charges of aggravated rape and second-degree murder related to Sharpe’s death. Their arrests took place on April 21 and 22.
Louisiana State Police attribute the breakthroughs in the case to new DNA technology and the podcast efforts, which provided fresh leads and additional witness testimonies.
In 2025, local radio host Charles Dowdy collaborated with North Shore Media Group’s Lake 94.7 to create a podcast titled “Who Killed Roxanne.” This initiative yielded new insights and witness cooperation previously unknown to investigators.
The state police emphasized that this case shows the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, regardless of how many years pass. They noted the importance of advancements in investigative techniques and collaboration among various law enforcement agencies.
Michelle Lapin, Sharpe’s niece, expressed hope that these arrests would provide closure for the family and the community. She acknowledged the dedication and effort invested in resolving her aunt’s case.
However, there are some contradictions. Billy Williams Jr.’s son, Billy Williams III, insists on his father’s innocence, stating he believes his father is being punished for something he didn’t do. He shared how his father would never harm anyone.
Taylor and Cooper are currently incarcerated on unrelated charges, while police noted that they have consistently pursued leads in this long-standing case.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell highlighted the determination of the department over the years, stating that the resolution of Roxanne Sharpe’s case reflects the relentless commitment of law enforcement to keep victims’ stories alive. He credited the collaboration between the Covington Police Department and the Louisiana State Police for re-examining evidence and pursuing new leads, underscoring that cold cases don’t close without continued effort.
