Four men charged with aggravated rape and murder in 1982 Roxanne Sharp cold case

9 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 28

Perry Wayne Taylor, Darrell Dean Spell, Carlos Cooper, and Billy Williams Jr. were arrested in Covington, Louisiana, after new DNA technology and a 2025 podcast generated leads.
The men, now in their 60s, face charges for the rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp, whose body was found in 1982. Two suspects were already incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Law enforcement credits advances in investigative techniques and public engagement for solving the decades-old case. Sharp’s family expressed hope for closure, while one suspect’s son maintains his father’s innocence.

How can a 44-year-old DNA sample finally bring four men to justice?

With suspects already jailed, what other crimes might have been missed?

Did a true-crime podcast solve a murder that baffled police for decades?

Who pays the high price for solving old murders with new technology?

After 44 years, what does justice for the victim's family truly mean?

Is using family DNA from ancestry sites to solve crimes an invasion of privacy?