In a remarkable turn of events, four men in Louisiana have been charged with the rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp, more than 40 years after her tragic death. The breakthrough in this cold case was made possible by cutting-edge DNA technology and a compelling podcast.
Roxanne Sharp’s body was discovered in a wooded area of Covington, Louisiana, on February 12, 1982. Despite the Covington Police Department’s determination that she had been raped and murdered, the investigation stalled due to limited evidence and a lack of public assistance at the time, leaving the case unsolved for decades.
Now, four men from Covington—Perry Wayne Taylor, Darrell Dean Spell, both 64, Carlos Cooper, also 64, and Billy Williams Jr., 62—are facing serious charges of aggravated rape and second-degree murder related to Sharp’s 1982 murder. These arrests took place on April 21 and 22.
In this photo, provided by Michele Lappin, Roxanne Sharp is seen in Covington, Louisiana, circa 1980. (Michele Lappin via AP)
The Louisiana State Police have acknowledged the pivotal role of new DNA advancements and a podcast in reviving this case. The podcast not only brought fresh leads and information but also encouraged new witnesses to come forward.
In 2025, local radio host Charles Dowdy of Lake 94.7, part of the Northshore Media Group, collaborated with police to create a podcast titled “Who Killed Roxanne.” This initiative succeeded in uncovering new insights and garnering witness cooperation that had eluded investigators for years.
Darrell Spell was charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder. (Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office)
“These arrests highlight the continued commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, regardless of how much time has passed. Through advancements in investigative techniques and strong interagency cooperation, cases once thought unsolvable can still be brought to resolution,” the Louisiana State Police said in a statement.
Sharp’s niece, Michele Lappin, told the Associated Press she hopes the arrests will provide closure.
“We appreciate the hard work and love that has been shown to Roxanne Sharp’s case,” Lappin said. “We hope that with justice will come healing and closure for our family, her loved ones and the community.”
Billy Williams Jr.’s son, Billy Williams III, meanwhile, is adamant that his father didn’t kill Sharp.
Billy Williams was charged with second-degree murder and aggravated rape. (St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office)
“He thinks they’re putting him in for something he didn’t do,” Williams III said. “He says he would never in his life hurt anyone.”
Taylor and Cooper were already in prison on unrelated charges, according to police.
Covington Police Department Chief Michael Ferrell said in a statement that his agency never gave up on Sharp’s case.
“The resolution of Roxanne Sharp’s case is a testament to what happens when dedicated law enforcement officers refuse to let a victim be forgotten. For over four decades, the Covington Police Department and Louisiana State Police kept Roxanne’s case alive revisiting evidence, following new leads, and carrying her name forward even when answers seemed out of reach. Cold cases don’t close themselves,” he said.
“They close because people show up, year after year, and refuse to quit. That is exactly what our agencies did, and today, Roxanne and her family finally have the justice they have waited so long for. We are proud of the work done by every investigator who touched this case and deeply grateful for the partnership that made this moment possible.”
