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Podcast leads to charges in 1982 murder of teen

Crime & justiceCrime
Podcast leads to charges in 1982 murder of teen
Key Points
  • Podcast helped solve 1982 murder of Roxanne Sharp
  • Four men charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder
  • Suspects include Perry Wayne Taylor, Darrell Dean Spell, Carlos Cooper, Billy Williams Jr.

' produced by Northshore Media and aired last year generated crucial tips and prompted new witnesses to come forward. 'It helped our investigators piece together where Roxanne was days before to the time she died, to where we're at now,' Gremillion said. The four men charged are Perry Wayne Taylor (64), Darrell Dean Spell (64), Carlos Cooper (64), and Billy Williams, Jr.

(62). Cooper and Taylor were already in prison on unrelated charges, while Williams and Spell were arrested earlier this week. Gremillion said Sharp was an acquaintance of the suspects and frequented their neighborhood.

It helped our investigators piece together where Roxanne was days before to the time she died, to where we're at now. It was a very large help with getting that message out to the public, and then, therefore, those witnesses getting back to us.

Marc Gremillion, Louisiana State Police spokesperson

Police had once thought the case solved after serial killer Henry Lucas claimed responsibility, but Lucas was known for false confessions. 's son, Billy Williams III, told The Independent - Main that his father is innocent. Roxanne Sharp's niece, Michele Lappin, said in a statement: 'We appreciate the hard work and love that has been shown to Roxanne Sharp’s case.

We appreciate the hard work and love that has been shown to Roxanne Sharp’s case. We hope that with justice will come healing and closure for our family, her loved ones, and the community.

Michele Lappin, Roxanne Sharp's niece

He thinks they’re putting him in for something he didn’t do. He says he would never in his life hurt anyone.

Billy Williams III, Son of suspect Billy Williams Jr.
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Podcast leads to charges in 1982 murder of teen | Reed News