Why didn't her Grandmother report the rapist's threats to the police? Now two people are dead.
<a href="http://mydeathspace.com/go.aspx?back=%2farticle%2f2011%2f06%2f24%2fNikesha_Washington_(18)_and_her_friend_Jasmine_Smith_were_murdered___a_convicted_rapist_that_Jasmine_testified_against_may_be_a_person_of_interest&go=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myspace.com%2fnikki32093" target="_blank">
Nikesha Washington (18)
Jasmine Smith, 19, participated in an investigation less than one year ago that led to the grand jury indictment of Willie Brown of Tallulah on forcible rape. Brown recently bonded out of jail. Smith was found dead Saturday in Tallulah City Park — one of two teens found dead in less than 18 hours.
Smith's friend, Nikesha R. Washington, 18, was discovered in a wooded area behind Wright Elementary School Friday night, less than a mile away from where Smith's body was found. The two girls were believed to be together Wednesday night. Police said Thursday is the last time anyone talked to either of them.
Residents were scared, rumors were rampant and information from law enforcement and elected officials was limited Sunday while at least one killer remained on the loose following the double homicide.
Sixth Judicial District Attorney Jim Paxton confirmed late Sunday that although there have been no arrests in the case, police do have a "person or persons of interest."
"We are hoping for an arrest as soon as we feel very comfortable that we've got the right person or persons," Paxton said.
The investigation into the homicides is being called a joint investigation among the Madison Parish Sheriff's Office, Tallulah Police Department, Louisiana State Police and Paxton's office.
There will be a meeting of all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case Monday morning. Paxton said there would be an announcement following the meeting.
Although law enforcement will not identify the person or persons of interest, both Smith's grandmother, Mary Buford, and father, Orlando Buford believe it is Brown who killed Smith.
Mary Buford said Smith had accused Brown of rape about 18 months ago and filed charges against him. Buford said the family was not notified when Brown bonded out of jail.
His house is within sight of Mary Buford's home, where Smith also lived, at Madison Apartments on Tank Street.
"He done got out, and he had said that when he got out he was going to get her," she said. "She's supposed to be in court in August. She was the only one who could identify him."
Tallulah bodies identified | The News Star | thenewsstar.com
<a href="http://mydeathspace.com/go.aspx?back=%2farticle%2f2011%2f06%2f24%2fNikesha_Washington_(18)_and_her_friend_Jasmine_Smith_were_murdered___a_convicted_rapist_that_Jasmine_testified_against_may_be_a_person_of_interest&go=http%3a%2f%2fwww.myspace.com%2fnikki32093" target="_blank">
Nikesha Washington (18)
Jasmine Smith, 19, participated in an investigation less than one year ago that led to the grand jury indictment of Willie Brown of Tallulah on forcible rape. Brown recently bonded out of jail. Smith was found dead Saturday in Tallulah City Park — one of two teens found dead in less than 18 hours.
Smith's friend, Nikesha R. Washington, 18, was discovered in a wooded area behind Wright Elementary School Friday night, less than a mile away from where Smith's body was found. The two girls were believed to be together Wednesday night. Police said Thursday is the last time anyone talked to either of them.
Residents were scared, rumors were rampant and information from law enforcement and elected officials was limited Sunday while at least one killer remained on the loose following the double homicide.
Sixth Judicial District Attorney Jim Paxton confirmed late Sunday that although there have been no arrests in the case, police do have a "person or persons of interest."
"We are hoping for an arrest as soon as we feel very comfortable that we've got the right person or persons," Paxton said.
The investigation into the homicides is being called a joint investigation among the Madison Parish Sheriff's Office, Tallulah Police Department, Louisiana State Police and Paxton's office.
There will be a meeting of all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case Monday morning. Paxton said there would be an announcement following the meeting.
Although law enforcement will not identify the person or persons of interest, both Smith's grandmother, Mary Buford, and father, Orlando Buford believe it is Brown who killed Smith.
Mary Buford said Smith had accused Brown of rape about 18 months ago and filed charges against him. Buford said the family was not notified when Brown bonded out of jail.
His house is within sight of Mary Buford's home, where Smith also lived, at Madison Apartments on Tank Street.
"He done got out, and he had said that when he got out he was going to get her," she said. "She's supposed to be in court in August. She was the only one who could identify him."
Tallulah bodies identified | The News Star | thenewsstar.com