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Author Topic: "Twilight Rapist" Billie Joe Harris -predator targeting elderly(ARREST)  (Read 14944 times)
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MuffyBee
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« on: October 27, 2009, 02:04:10 PM »

http://news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=256767

Small town reacts to predator who targets elderly

10/25/2009 8:12 PM
By: Bonnie Gonzalez

Recent sexual assaults and attacks on at least seven elderly women in Texas have residents and law enforcement on high alert.

The first attack was reported in January and is among a string of attacks in women over the age of 60 who live alone in rural areas.

Two of the crimes happened in Bell County, one in the town of Zabcikville.

Zabcikville residents described their home town as a laid back small country town with no worries.

"Used to leave the door unlocked. Now you can't," resident Charlie Begesse said.

Begesse said that hasn't changed since August, when news spread of the sexual assault of a woman in her 90s in her home.

"It's a shock, you know, a tremendous shock, you know, seven houses down from ours," Begesse said.
                  
Now, Begesse and his wife have taken extra precautions to make sure they don't become victims

"We've got a loaded gun now. We've never had that before," he said.

He's seen how the rest of the community has changed since the attack as well.

"It used to be we might see a sheriff car go by once every few days," he said.

Begesse said now, he sees patrol cars in the area on a daily basis.

Even though elderly women have been the targets of these attacks, it still has other residents like Dana Webb concerned.

"We lock all of our windows at night before we go to bed. We lock the gate. I don't let my kids play outside after dark," Webb said.

As a mother, Webb worries about her family's safety.

"If they're that sick and demented to do that to an elderly woman, who's to say they're not going to do that to my kids," she said.

      
   Even though elderly women have been the targets, other residents are still concerned.        
Webb and Begesse said they are both more aware of their surroundings, as is the rest of the community.

Investigators haven't confirmed whether the seven cases are linked, but are looking for a suspect.

According to the Leon County Sheriff's Office, all the attacks took place in total darkness, and none of the victims have been able to give a description of the suspect.

The Leon County Sheriff Law enforcement officials suspect a home invasion in Leon County is connected to a serial rapist who has been terrorizing elderly women in rural areas of Texas for months.

On Saturday, police say a man broke into the home of an 81-year-old woman. The woman had a handgun and managed to fire several shots, scaring the man away. The burglar got away with some cash and other items, but the woman was not hurt.

Investigators believe this incident may be connected to a series of sexual assaults on elderly women across four Central Texas counties, including Bell County.

Leon County Sheriff Jerry Wakefield said authorities don't have much information yet, but he wouldn't exactly call the attacks random.

Campbell said the locations of the attacks are really scattered, not limited to one particular neighborhood or county, all the houses are similar looking on the outside, and all the elderly women who have been attacked are widows.

Several counties have held, and will continue to host town hall meetings, to give residents more information and tips on how to keep safe.

***********************************************

http://news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=256755
   
Elderly woman scares off home invader with gun

10/26/2009 7:52 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff

Law enforcement officials suspect a home invasion in Leon County is connected to a serial rapist who has been terrorizing elderly women in rural areas of Texas for months.

On Saturday, police say a man broke into the home of an 81-year-old woman.

The woman had a handgun and managed to fire several shots, scaring the man away.

The burglar got away with some cash and other items, but the woman was not hurt.

Investigators believe this incident may be connected to a series of sexual assaults on elderly women across four Central Texas counties, including Bell County.

At least seven women have been attacked since January.

All are over 60, widows and live alone in rural areas.

Leon County Sheriff Jerry Wakefield said since all the attacks happened in total darkness, none of the victims have been able to give a description of their attacker.

*****************************

http://news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&ArID=256573
Milam County takes proactive approach to elderly attacks
10/24/2009 4:28 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff

Officials in Milam County held a town hall meeting Saturday to give residents more information about the recent attacks on elderly women that have occurred in surrounding areas.

Attendees were also told what is being done to keep people safe.

Though none of the attacks have happened in Milam, the county is trying to be proactive, since some of the assaults were close to the county line.

Off duty deputies are voluntarily working overtime on the north and northwestern parts of the county to respond to suspicious activity calls.

They're conducting traffic stops to identify possible leads, and conducting 'close patrols' when homeowners request it.

They're also asking residents to report any suspicious vehicles, people or activity.

*******************************

http://news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&ArID=256516

Rural attacks on women could be linked

10/23/2009 5:31 PM
By: Briana Teague

Sheriffs from Bell, Leon and Milam counties met Wednesday to compare notes from investigations on seven different cases of sexual assault and attacks on elderly women across the state.

At least seven women have either been sexually assaulted or attacked at night. The attacks happened in different rural counties across Texas between January and October.

All the women lived alone and were at least 60 years old.

According to a Bell County press release, some of the cases shared similar details and evidence that indicate the crimes may have been committed by the same person.

            
• KBTX said that the suspect may be linked to South Texas.

• The Killeen Daily Herald reported that DNA may link the attacks together.

• According to The Killeen Daily Herald, authorities met to review details of the attacks.
      
            
However, there is no conclusive evidence that links all of the cases together.

According to The Killeen Daily Herald the most recent attack happened Saturday in Falls County, close to Marlin. Earlier, six different attacks in similar rural communities were reported.

DNA tests have linked the first reported attack on a 90-year-old woman in Lavaca County, to a July sexual assault on a 77-year-old woman in Leon County.

According to KBTX, in Bryan, Leon County Deputies believe the man they're looking for was in Lavaca County in January and February. They believe he was in Leon County this summer.

At least five months separate the first two attacks.

Since the Leon County attack in July, these break-ins have become more frequent.

In August, a similar attack happened in Bell County. The attacker removed all the phones from the victim's house before beating and stealing money from her.

According to The Killeen Daily Herald, in a separate incident in early September, a Bell County woman received a strange phone call from a man asking her if she would be home that night. Carelessly, she told the caller she would be, but then she called her family to come and take her to their home for the night. The next day, she received a phone call from a man laughing.

The following day, a woman in Leon County was attacked and robbed in her home.

A report from the Bell County Sheriff's Department indicated that an 80-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in her home on September 11.

According to KTBX, the man stole a total of $10,000 from victims in Leon and Lavaca Counties. Part of the sum included a Lavaca County woman's life savings.

Bell County Sheriff Dan Smith told The Killeen Daily Herald that the perpetrator also stole mounted deer heads and a wall clock from one of the Leon County Victims.

Some suspect he is hoarding the items as trophies, but deputies are still unsure of the attacker's motive in committing the crimes.

Investigators believe the attacker is watching the homes and planning the invasions.

Police have no leads in the cases due to several factors including the time of the attacks, the attacker's random nature, and the victims' inability to provide a detailed physical description.

The only physical description reported from victims is that he is about six feet tall.

Investigations are also being conducted in Falls and DeWitt County.

The Bell County Sheriff's Office urges residents in rural areas, to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to their sheriff's office.

Edit to change subject title to accomodate (ARREST) addition.  MB

Edit to add name to subject title. MB

   
« Last Edit: January 29, 2011, 11:35:06 PM by MuffyBee » Logged

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« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2009, 01:09:11 PM »

He STRUCK AGAIN

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/69848782.html


BRYAN (November 12, 2009)--It's a woman's worst nightmare: becoming the victim of a sexual assault. Now, Texas Department of Public Safety Investigators are looking into the possibility that a serial rapist may have targeted the same woman twice.

Yoakum Police said the assault happened early Monday morning. The same woman was targeted in January by a man authorities believe is responsible for eight attacks on elderly women who live alone in Central and South Texas.

 Another rape in Yoakum has already been linked by DNA to rapes in Marquez, in Leon County and Zabcikville, in Bell County. The suspect is also believed to be responsible for two other rapes in Leon County, another in Seaton, in Bell County, and one in Marlin, in Falls County.

These days it isn't just sheriff's deputies keeping an eye on Leon County streets; both Marquez and Centerville have formed community watches.

"We've already been complacent, and this is what complacency may have brought," said James Ellison. Ellison, along with Andy and Diane Stewart, are heading up the Centerville Area Neighborhood Watch.

"What if someone saw something earlier and this could already be put to an end," said Ellison.

They, along with another 30 people are organizing night patrols and neighborhood watches, and hoping their vigilance will be contagious.

"Once they realize we're out there, what's to keep them from keeping an eye on their next door neighbor and their other neighbor," said Andy Stewart.

Wednesday, word spread that a victim already assaulted by the serial rapist had been attacked again on Monday. While Investigators in Yoakum are trying to determine if the assault was done by the same man, the Leon County Sheriff's Office wasn't taking any chances.

"We felt it best that we go ahead and contact our victims up here," said Leon County Sheriff Jerry Wakefield. Wakefield said his office is also continuing heavy patrols near the three Leon County victims' homes.

"Nobody's safe, not even if they've been visited before," said Diane Stewart.

However, the group said their county will not live in fear, but said whoever is committing these heinous crimes, should.

"We want him to be scared to death that we're watching," said Ellison.

The next meeting for the Centerville Area Neighborhood Watch is November 23, at 6 p.m. at Home Sweet Home Healthcare. After that, the group plans to meet the second Monday of every month.





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« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2009, 02:20:05 PM »

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/dps-man-stealing-from-raping-elderly-sa

DPS: Man stealing from, raping elderly
Troopers asking for public’s help in locating man


Updated: Monday, 14 Dec 2009, 11:24 AM CST
Published : Monday, 14 Dec 2009, 8:29 AM CST

    * Shane Allen

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Law enforcement officers are on the lookout for a man they say is on a burglary and rape spree targeting elderly women.

The Texas Rangers Monday morning sent out the warning to elderly women in central and south-central Texas. Authorities say they are investigating as many as 12 rapes, attempted rapes or burglaries in Luling and Yoakum, as well as rural Leon, Bell and Falls Counties. The incidents happened between January and November of this year.

“Many of these cases have been linked by physical evidence, including DNA,” Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal said in a prepared statement Monday morning. “All of the victims have been elderly women ranging in age from 65 to 91 who live alone.”

Rangers say they think the man they’re looking for prowls his victims’ neighborhoods before striking in the early morning hours. They say in many cases, he disabled his soon-to-be-victims’ telephone to keep her from calling for help.

The women who have been targeted have not been able to give investigators a good description of the man. Rangers, however, have a good analysis on what they think the man is like.

Investigators believe the man they’re looking for has a sexual preference for elderly women and, therefore, may not be in a romantic relationship with a woman his own age. They say the suspect has demonstrated his familiarity with each of the communities mentioned above and apparently has the freedom -- either in personal life or at work -- to move about during the late evening and pre-dawn early morning hours.

If you know anything about who this man may be, DPS urges you to call them at 866-786-5972. Callers may remain anonymous and a reward for information is being offered by local Crime Stoppers programs, DPS says.

“Each of these victims is someone’s mother, grandmother or neighbor, and we need the public’s help in identifying the suspect responsible for these crimes,” said Ranger Chief Leal.

Leal says people can protect themselves by being vigilant of their surroundings at all times and notifying local authorities if they notice suspicious activity, such as prowling at night. Police recommend people their lock doors and windows, and leave their outside lights on at night.

This investigation involves the combined efforts of the DPS, the Yoakum Police Department, the Luling Police Department, the Leon County Sheriffs Office, the Bell County Sheriffs Office, the Falls County Sheriffs Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI.
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« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2009, 08:41:09 PM »

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Authorities_say_Twilight_rapist_had_other_victims.html


Web Posted: 12/15/2009 7:44 CST
‘Twilight Rapist' list of victims grows


The latest 'Twilight Rapist' case, an attempted rape of a 79-year-old woman, occurred three days before Thanksgiving at Jennings Retirement Village in Luling.






   By Peter J. Holley   - Express-News

The “Twilight Rapist” has victimized as many as four more senior citizens across South and Central Texas, authorities revealed Tuesday.

The latest case, an attempted rape of a 79-year-old woman, occurred three days before Thanksgiving at Jennings Retirement Village in Luling.

Authorities are investigating 12 incidents, at least eight of them rapes, that happened as far as 150 miles apart in Yoakum, Luling and rural areas of Leon, Bell and Falls counties from January to November.

“Many of these cases have been linked by physical evidence, including DNA,” said Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal. “All of the victims have been elderly women ranging in age from 65 to 91 who live alone. The rapist has been described as a thin, young dark-skinned man between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall.”

Nearly a year into their investigation, authorities released their first description of the attacker Monday. Days after confirming that they believe the same man had raped eight women, authorities said Tuesday that he is linked to four additional cases of assault, burglary or both.

Tom Vinger, a Department of Public Safety spokesman, said the victims' conflicting accounts of their attacker made authorities reluctant to release a description sooner.

For some Central Texas residents, it wasn't soon enough.

“It sounds to me that they knew that these incidents had been happening since January,” said Tina Ramirez, whose mother lives in Jennings Retirement Village. “They should have made some sort of announcement urging residents take precautions. In Yoakum, there are a lot of older women who are buying alarm systems and pepper spray. We could have been preparing, too.”

The Nov. 24 assault was the attacker's first appearance in Luling, a town of 5,000 an hour's drive east of San Antonio. As described by the victim's neighbors, it showed the same degree of planning that marked previous attacks. The assailant chose an apartment beside a broken city streetlight and within yards of a church parking lot with access to a highway. The victim's next-door neighbor said her phone lines were cut the night of the attack.

The victim, neighbors said, awoke with the attacker's hands over her nose and mouth around 4 a.m. She told neighbors that a night light in her bedroom was switched off. The attacker, holding a small flashlight, ransacked her apartment. After removing his clothes, he repeatedly told the victim he “wanted to make love to her,” neighbors said. She estimated he was in her home about 40 minutes.

Many of the women in the complex remain “scared to death,” a neighbor said.

State and federal nvestigators believe the assailant has a sexual preference for elderly women and may not be in a relationship with a woman his own age. They said he seems familiar with each community and apparently has the freedom, either in his personal life or at work, to operate at night.

Anyone who knows someone fitting the description with these characteristics can contact local law enforcement or the Texas Department of Public Safety Fusion Center at (866) 786-5972. Callers may remain anonymous, and local Crime Stoppers programs offer a reward for information.

“Each of these victims is someone's mother, grandmother or neighbor, and we need the public's help in identifying the suspect responsible for these crimes,” Leal said.




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« Reply #4 on: January 05, 2010, 10:14:26 PM »

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/Clock-may-be-clue-needed-to-catch-Twilight-Rapist/1IEYFkxgSkG_Cxxmxys2Cg.cspx

Clock may be clue needed to catch 'Twilight Rapist'

Reported by: Delaine Mathieu 
(Video and slideshow Available at Link)

Investigators have released this photo of a clock that was stolen by a suspected serial rapist/burglar linked to multiple attacks on elderly women in central and south-central Texas.

SAN ANTONIO - An unusual clock may be the clue needed to catch a serial rapist terrorizing Central and South Texas. Investigators have released a photo of a stolen clock linked to multiple attacks on elderly women.

They believe the suspect took the clock from a victim’s home after a September 5 burglary in Leon County near Marquez. Tom Vinger from the DPS said the rapist intended to sexually assault the woman, but was unable to and instead stole the clock from the home.

The clock was purchased in Japan in 1969. The Texas Rangers hope someone has seen the unique clock and can give them information to help catch the suspect.

The man is known as the "Twilight Rapist" because he always strikes late at night. He targets elderly women between the ages of 65 to 91 who live alone. He's linked to as many as 12 rapes and burglaries in Yoakum, Luling, Leon, Bell and Falls Counties. All the crimes happened from January to November of 2009.

“The clock is unique and distinctive, and information about the clock could produce additional leads,” said Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal. “Perhaps someone saw this clock, received it as a gift or may have other useful information.”

The rapist has been described as a thin, young, dark-skinned man between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall. The rapist's familiarity with victims lead investigators to believe he may be dating an elderly person.

Anyone with information related to the clock or someone fitting the description and characteristics of this rapist is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety Fusion Center at 1-866-786-5972. Callers may remain anonymous and a reward for information is being offered by local Crime Stoppers programs.
   
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« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2010, 08:41:57 PM »

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Perry_creates_task_force_to_find_Twilight_Rapist.html

Web Posted: 01/21/2010 1:11 CST
Perry creates task force to find ‘Twilight Rapist'

   By Peter J Holley   - Express-News

A year after the first known assault, Gov. Rick Perry requested Thursday that the Texas Department of Public Safety establish a multi-jurisdictional major crime task force to help local law enforcement agencies catch a violent serial rapist who targets elderly women.

Using DNA evidence, authorities linked the “Twilight Rapist” to eight sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults, and four burglaries or attempted burglaries in small towns across South and Central Texas. The victims, mostly widows who lived alone, ranged in age from 65 to 91. Authorities dubbed the suspect the “Twilight Rapist” because of his early-morning attacks that often took place in the dark.

“The viciousness of these attacks warrants a combined effort to bring this criminal to justice,” said Gov. Perry. “The creation of this task force will leverage our state's law enforcement personnel, in coordination with local law enforcement, to bring an end to this heinous crime spree.”

In a press release, the governor asked DPS to make all its resources, including the Texas Rangers, available to assist in capturing the suspect. Authorities, however, acknowledged as early as last fall that the Texas Rangers were involved in much of the investigation's day-to-day operations.

The suspect was described as a thin, young and dark-skinned man between 5 ½- and 6-feet tall. While DNA linked the suspect to several crimes, no specific suspect was identified in the state DNA database. The most recent attack occurred Nov. 24 in Luling, an hour's drive east of San Antonio. The victim told officials she awoke with the man's hand over her nose and mouth around 4 a.m. Authorities released a photo Jan. 4 of an ornate wall clock taken from a Leon County home in September in hopes that the image would jog someone's memory and lead to the arrest of the suspect.

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« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2010, 08:00:10 PM »

http://news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=268436   
Authorities investigating attack on elderly woman
Thursday, March 3, 2020

nvestigators are looking into whether the so called "Twilight Rapist" has struck again.

An elderly woman was attacked in her home in Moody sometime overnight on Sunday.

A spokesperson with the Texas Department of Public Safety said they are trying to determine if there is a connection to other similar cases.

The name "Twilight Rapist" was given to a man believed to be responsible for as many as 12 attacks on elderly women. Most of the women attacked live alone.

The "Twilight Rapist" has struck in several counties, including Bell, Leon and Falls counties over the past year.

If you have any information about the cases or the person responsible, you're asked to call 1-866-786-5972.
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« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2011, 11:23:21 PM »

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/276017/-twilight-rapist--nabbed-in-jackson-county
'Twilight Rapist' nabbed in Jackson County


Billy Jo Harris, 53

A string of elderly rape victims may finally get some closure.

State officials arrested 53-year-old Billy Jo Harris Saturday after they linked him to crimes committed by the “Twilight Rapist.”

According to police, Harris was arrested after police responded to a medical emergency alert set off by a woman in Edna. When police arrived they found Harris fleeing the scene.

Edna officials worked with Texas Rangers to obtain a DNA sample from Harris. From there, they were able to link him to at least five other assaults in Yoakum, Bell, Falls and Leon counties.


“Countless men and women worked long hours on the task force investigating every lead in this case for more than a year,” DPS Director Steve McCraw said. “As in many complex cases, these investigations turn quickly on a single incident. We are indebted to the brave victims and the Edna Police Department for helping solve these heinous crimes against defenseless elderly women.”

Police say the suspect lives in Missouri City, Texas and works as a non-commissioned employee for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Investigating officers said victims ranged in age from 65 to 91. The first known attack was in January 2009. A task force was formalized in January 2010 at Gov. Perry’s request.

Bell County Sheriff Dan Smith said one of the attacks in Bell County has since been tied to Harris through DNA.


"We have entire communities, Bell and surrounding counties that have been scared to
death for the last two years," Smith said. "

Police expect as many as 12 rapes and burglaries have taken place since the first attack.


While Harris' arrest is a 'relief' for the law enforcement community, Smith said their work is far from over.

"Obviously the work now begins, going back and really figuring out who this guy is and where has he lived and what has he been doing," he said.

Harris is being held in Jackson County Jail on the Edna burglary charge, and more charges are expected to be filed as the investigation continues.

According to Smith, Bell County is looking to charge Harris with aggravated sexual assault, which is a first degree felony.

If convicted of the charge, Harris could face between five to 99 years behind bars.
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« Reply #8 on: January 13, 2011, 04:28:27 PM »

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Rape-suspects-ex-wife-says-he-used-to-be-a-good-guy-113255209.html
video
Rape suspect's ex-wife says he used to be a good guy
Posted January 10, 2011, Updated January 11, 2011

HOUSTON -- The ex-wife of a Missouri City man who is a suspected serial rapist says she is shocked to hear about the allegations.

Investigators believe Billy Joe Harris may have raped and assaulted a dozen elderly women. Harris was arrested 120 miles southwest of Houston on Saturday.

Police chased him down near the home of an elderly woman who had just been attacked.

KWTX in Waco spoke with Harris's ex-wife, who said he is not the man she married 35 years ago.

"He was different. He was a very clean guy, very to himself," Jutta Harris said.

She said his personality began to change later and that she eventually divorced him in 2002 because of the abuse and his infidelity.

"He used to beat me up once in a while, once a year, twice a year, it wasn't that bad," she said.
 

She told KWTX that she found out about her ex-husband’s arrest when a Texas Ranger stopped by her home, but said she didn’t know the full story until she saw a news report.

"I'm very mad. I'm very mad and I'm very sorry for what he did to those people and I wish I could take that back," she said.

DNA has linked Billy Joe Harris to the rapes of five women across southeast Texas and he is a suspect in seven more attacks.

He has been charged with burglary of a habitation and was being held Monday on a $500,000 bond.
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« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2011, 01:02:45 PM »

 
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« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2011, 09:42:52 AM »

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/jan/14/sl_twilight_update_011411_125449/?counties&police-courts
Charges added against suspected Twilight Rapist
So far bonds total $1.3 million
January 14, 2011

Billy Joe Harris remains in the Jackson County Jail awaiting arraignment as more charges are added to the list of offenses he is believed to have committed.

Harris, the suspected Twilight Rapist, was arrested Jan. 8 in Edna and charged with burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit another felony, sexual assault of the elderly. Bond on that charge was set at $500,000.

Additional charges have been added.

The new charges include burglary of a habitation with intent to commit theft for the Jan. 8 Edna break-in. Bond on that charge was set at $300,000.

In addition, two charges have been filed from Leon County, said Victor Smith, chief investigator with the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

The charges include burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony, assault of the elderly, from an attack in Marquez on Sept. 5, 2009.

The bond on that charge was set at $500,000.

The other charge of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony, assault of the elderly, from Leon County stems from the Oct. 24, 2009 home invasion and assault in Centerville. No bond has been set on that charge.

Leon County is about 200 miles northeast of Victoria.

More charges are expected to be filed, said Tom Vinger, Department of Public Safety spokesman.

DNA has linked Harris to six assaults. Texas Rangers recovered evidence in his home from four burglaries.


No date has been set for Harris' arraignment, said a spokesman for the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.
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« Reply #11 on: January 15, 2011, 09:45:49 AM »

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/jan/11/sl_twilight_update_011211_125181/?news&lavaca-county
Twilight Rapist attempted break-in in Yoakum hours before arrest in Edna
January 11, 2011


Billie Joe Harris

Less than three hours before Billy Joe Harris, the suspect in the Twilight Rapist case, was arrested Saturday in Edna, he may have attempted a break-in in Yoakum.

"The M.O. is similar," said Yoakum Police Chief Arthur Rogers. "An outside light bulb was unscrewed, a screen was removed."

The elderly woman living in the 500 block of Migl Street heard noises and frightened the potential intruder away, said Rogers. The Yoakum Police responded at 1:28 a.m.

Three previous home invasions and assaults in Yoakum, including the first one on Jan. 21, 2009, are being connected to Harris.

The Serial Rapist Task Force lists Saturday's attempted burglary among the crimes connected to Harris.

Harris was arrested in Edna about 4:20 a.m., fleeing from the apartment of an elderly woman who activated a medical alert alarm.

"We can take a moment, a sigh of relief that he is behind bars," said Rogers. "But we can't drop our guard, the way the world is now. There are people who will continue to burglarize and terrorize our good citizens."

Harris is also connected to a residential burglary in Edna on Dec. 4. Texas Rangers found evidence from that burglary in Harris' Missouri City home, according to task force documents.

Evidence from three other break-ins, one in Marquez in July 2009, Zabcikville in August 2009 and Moody in December 2009 was also recovered from Harris' home, according to the task force documents.

Harris's DNA has been linked to the home invasion and sexual assault in Yoakum in Feb. 2009, in Marquez in July 2009, in Bell County in Sept. 2009, in Falls County in Oct. 2009, in Yoakum on Nov. 9, as well as in Edna on Saturday.

Harris previously lived, for 13 years, in Copperas Cove in Coryell County, which borders the area where some of the attacks occurred, according to a story in the Houston Chronicle.

He moved to the Houston area in May 2010 and married that same month. The couple formed the BDK Healthcare business in June, according to Harris County Clerk documents.

No ties to the victims and the home health business have been made so far in the investigation, said Tom Vinger, Department of Public Safety spokesman.
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« Reply #12 on: January 15, 2011, 09:58:12 AM »

Among my thoughts in this case is the appearance of Billie Joe Harris.  Sometimes I've read where comments are made about a suspects appearance, because they may have a rough face or squinty eyes or whatever and in some cases the person making the comments were wrong.  A rough exterior doesn't necessarily equate evil.  The point I'm trying to make is, look at the picture I've posted of Billie Joe Harris.  He's pleasant looking, with a smile, nice eyes.  Yet behind that is evil.  He's done evil deeds repeatedly.  Don't let a pretty face mislead.  And what really gags me about this case is that he and his wife had a home health care business.  Although the article above is saying there's no connection YET in regard to that in relation to some of the cases, to me what Billie Joe Harris has done is twice as bad, because of it. He earned his money in the care of elderly or ill people and he preyed upon the elderly.    It was bad enough he broke into elderly women's  homes and robbed and terrified them, he also sexually assaulted them.  I'm thinking he better be put in protective custody if he isn't already.  There are many in jails and prisons that have mamas and grandma's.  The pay back might be worse then just the prison sentence...
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« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2011, 11:38:00 PM »

http://www.kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13872617
Accused "Twilight Rapist" to be indicted next week
January 19, 2011

(snip)
Evidence against 53-year-old Billy Joe Harris will be presented to a Jackson County grand jury because that's where he was caught, in Edna, roughly 100 miles southwest of Houston.

He's linked to at least twelve rapes and burglaries of elderly women, many of them in Central Texas over the last two years.
(snip)
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« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2011, 06:22:07 AM »


http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Twilight_Rapist_Suspect_First_Trial_Starts_Monday.html
Twilight Rapist Suspect First Trial Starts Monday
Accused Twilight Rapist Billy Joe Harris is set for trial in Jackson County beginning Monday morning, the first of several he’ll face in coming months.
September 12, 2011


Billy Joe Harris (File)

EDNA (September 12, 2011)—The man accused of pulling off a series of sexual assaults in Texas makes his first trial appearance Monday in a South Texas courtroom.

Jury selection for Billy Joe Harris, 54, the man who is accused of sexually assaulting older women during a crime spree throughout Central and South Central Texas, is set to begin at 10 a.m. Monday in Edna’s 24th State District Court
 ::snipping2::
Attorneys representing Harris, who is from Missouri City, say they’ll rely on an insanity defense to try to keep their client from spending the rest of his life in prison.

In the first trial, Harris faces a charge of assaulting and raping a disabled woman in January in Edna.

Harris is connected to similar crimes here in Central Texas, including Falls, Bell and McLennan Counties.

Alan Cohen, Harris’ lawyer, explained the difference between competency and insanity.

Competency deals with the defendant’s ability to speak with his laweyers and participate in his defense, Cohen said.

Insanity brings into question very specific questions as to the defendant’s ability to determine right from wrong and the ability to understand the crimes that were committed.
 ::snipping2::
Authorities say DNA and other evidence links Harris to that attack as well as to attacks in Bell County, Leon County and Yoakum.

Case Chronology
(Source: Texas DPS)

January 21, 2009: Home invasion, rape in Yoakum
February 27, 2009: Home invasion, rape in Yoakum *DNA
July 3, 2009: Home burglary in Marquez (evidence recovered)
July 20, 2009: Home invasion, rape Marquez *DNA
August 14, 2009: Home invasion, rape Zabcikville (evidence recovered)
August 2009: Home burglary in Falls County
September 5, 2009: Home invasion and assault Marquez
September 11, 2009: Home invasion, assault Bell County *DNA
October 10, 2009: Home invasion, rape Falls County *DNA
October 24, 2009: Home invasion, assault, Centerville
November 9, 2009: Home invasion, assault Yoakum *DNA
November 24, 2009: Attempted home burglary Yoakum
November 24, 2009: Home invasion, fondling, Luling
December 24, 2009: Home burglary in Moody (evidence recovered)
March 1, 2010: Home invasion, assault, Moody
December 4, 2010: Home burglary in Edna (evidence recovered)
January 8, 2011: Attempted burglary Yoakum
January 8, 2011: Home invasion, rape Edna *DNA (arrest)
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« Reply #15 on: September 13, 2011, 06:34:07 AM »

This article is older  than the previous one I've just posted, but it gives some background information.  Did Billy Joe Harris know right from wrong?  Frankly, I don't believe Bille Joe Harris is insane as defined by the State of Texas. (see bolded in below post) He made attempts to hide his crimes, which to me says he knew it was wrong (just for starters).  From the articles I've been reading, there is dna to tie him back to the crimes, which makes it more of a challenge for the defense, hence the good old insanity plea attempt.  I wonder how many other women may have been a victim of Billy Joe Harris but the crimes went unreported because of shame or fear? 

http://www.cbs19.tv/story/15294668/insanity
Insanity defense in suspected "Twilight Rapist" case
August 18, 2011

Suspected "Twilight Rapist," Billy Joe Harris will rely on an insanity defense to keep him from spending the rest of his life in jail.

In the first trial, set for September 12th in Jackson County, Harris faces charges of assaulting and raping a disabled woman in January in the South Texas town of Edna.
 ::snipping2::
This first trial is also the first case where the defense team has announced an insanity defense.  That motion was filed this week in 24th District Court by Houston attorney, Alan Cohen, who is defending Harris in the Jackson County case.  "Though the State of Texas has examined Mr. Harris and has found him competent, the insanity issue is a different issue," says Cohen.

In a phone interview with Cohen Thursday afternoon, he broke down the main differences between competency and insanity in the courtroom.  "Competency basically deals with the ability of the defendant to speak with his attorney and understand what the process is, what the criminal charges are," says Cohen.

The issues of insanity are very specific in Texas and basically means understanding right from wrong and the ability to understand the crimes committed.

After the state deemed Harris competent to stand trial, Cohen teamed up with a psychiatrist and psychologist for an in-depth mental evaluation.  "Both doctors, after extensive interviews are in support of the insanity defense," says Cohen.

That defense will be used solely in the Jackson County case for now. 

Harris will be back in court in Falls, Leon and DeWitt Counties, where defenses are still shaping up and the discovery stage is still unfolding.  "There are a number of different counties in which these crimes have been committed," says Cohen, "they will look at the procedure for recovering evidence, their method of what they did and how it was tested."

DNA evidence is extremely important in this case.  Samples have linked Harris to at least six cases at this point.  Cohen fought for extra money to review the paperwork process of this evidence, but the court threw out that request this week.

 ::snipping2::
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« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2011, 07:01:00 AM »

   The defense requested these extraordinary measures?!  I think Billie Joe Harris has been coached to act up in the courtoom.  JMHO  There is dna and other evidence to link him to a number of the crime scenes and victims.  It's all the defense has got is to try to make him out to be insane.  The State of Texas found him to be sane to stand trial.   I think Billie Joe Harris definitely knew right from wrong. 

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/sep/12/sl_twilight_rapist_day1_091311_151842/?counties
Jury selected in Twilight Rapist case
Extra security measures in place
September 12, 2011

EDNA - Billy Joe Harris, who is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a disabled person, will be handcuffed during his trial, at his attorney's request.
 ::snipping2::
Testimony will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
 ::snipping2::
SECURITY MEASURES

At his attorney's request, Harris was restrained with handcuffs, leg irons and a stun belt, a 50,000-volt device around his waist with the trigger in the hands of one of the three Jackson County deputies near Harris at all times.

Before jury selection began, District Judge Skipper Koetter wanted to ensure the official court record reflected that the security measures were at the request of Harris' attorney.

"It's highly prejudicial, but done at the request of Mr. Cohen, for his safety and for the safety of courtroom personnel," said the judge. "He's already had a verbal outburst that startled everyone in the courtroom. I will not let this become a circus."

Harris, in previous courtroom appearances during pre-trial hearings, had caused problems.

"The last time we had an outburst, it took four deputies to restrain him and I am not going to put them in that position again," said Koetter. "If they can put a hand on him and put him back in the chair, that's fine. If that doesn't work, we'll have to take more extreme measures."

In addition to the security measures, Harris - if he does not behave properly - could be sent to a room where he could watch the court proceedings via cameras in the courtroom.

 ::snipping2::
Cohen plans to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity on his client's behalf and Bell also quizzed potential jurors on that topic, asking them to keep an open mind on the issue.

In Jackson County, Harris was also been indicted on a charge of burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit sexual assault on Dec. 4.

Additional charges in other counties, including DeWitt County, are also pending against Harris.

DNA has linked Harris to six assaults and Texas Rangers recovered evidence in his home from four burglaries, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.



« Last Edit: September 13, 2011, 07:05:28 AM by MuffyBee » Logged

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« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2011, 07:09:18 AM »

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jkh4oeCS7WB8jSxHEZRPn5zl1gDg?docId=46b6fb50381b41b6945f5475a1bb77b5
Man accused in Texas rapes to be shackled at trial
September 12, 2011

EDNA, Texas (AP) — A former Texas prison employee suspected of a being a serial rapist accused of targeting older women will be handcuffed and shackled during his trial after his defense attorney made the request.

Testimony was scheduled to begin Tuesday in the trial of Billy Joe Harris, 54, who is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a disabled person. Jury selection for his trial was completed Monday, the Victoria Advocate (http://bit.ly/rpbrFe) reported.

Harris' attorney, Alan Cohen, plans to enter a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

District Judge Skipper Koetter said restraining Harris was highly prejudicial but that he would allow it for the safety of his attorney and courtroom personnel.
 ::snipping2::
Authorities believe Harris is the man known as "The Twilight Rapist." The Texas Department of Public Safety has said DNA samples linked Harris to six assaults or attempted assaults over the past two years involving women 65 to 91 years old, and authorities suspect Harris' involvement in other cases. Harris was arrested Jan. 8 in Edna, about 100 southwest of Houston.

Harris, of Missouri City, was a longtime state prison employee who also worked in the field of home health care.

One of the victims, a 66-year-old, was attacked twice, despite moving across town following the first assault.
The attacks rattled so many women that older volunteers at a Yoakum library began locking the doors during business hours, and organizers at one community meeting gave away pepper spray as door prizes.

Harris was found about 100 miles from Rosharon, where he worked in the kitchen of a Texas state prison. Harris had worked in state correctional facilities on an off for about 12 years since 1995, according to state records.

His jobs included two stints at the once-troubled Texas Youth Commission, which was overhauled several years ago in wake of a widespread sex abuse scandal involving guards attacking juvenile inmates.

Harris bounced around to several prisons around the state, working mostly in food service. Background checks before his hiring revealed no prior criminal history, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Following a string of attacks starting in 2009, authorities believed they were looking for one suspect who became known as "The Twilight Rapist" because most of the attacks occurred around dawn. Investigators found evidence of careful planning at the many crime scenes, including cut phone lines outside homes and unscrewed porch lights.
 ::snipping2::
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« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2011, 08:47:13 AM »

Of course he's insane . . . but legally so . . . I don't think so!
 
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« Reply #19 on: September 22, 2011, 09:15:15 AM »

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/2011/sep/21/sl_twilight_rapist_day6_092211_152795/?news&jackson-county

Twilight Rapist case settled in 10 minutes: GUILTY

Quote
Bell reminded the jury of the audio recording of the telephone call between Harris and his girlfriend during which Harris admitted putting on a show in court faking symptoms of mental illness.

"You heard that laugh, that evil laugh," Bell said. "He is laughing at the system, he's laughing at the state of Texas and he's laughing at you. He can't help himself. He's proud that he is going to con everyone that he is crazy."

Harris is facing a sentence of five to 99 years or life and a fine of up to $10,000.

 ::justice2NJ::
 
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