November 10, 2006

 

SEXUAL ASSAULT COLD CASE UNIT CLEARS ANOTHER CASE

 

Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit have made an arrest in connection with a 1987 case.  Known sex offender William Lippard has been charged with 1st degree Rape, 1st degree Sex Offense, 1st degree Kidnapping and 2nd degree Kidnapping in the January 28, 1987 rape and sexual assault of a woman in front of her three-year-old child.

 

On the morning of January 28, 1987, the victim and her three-year-old child were leaving Outlet Square Mall (later renamed Midtown Square) at the corner of Kings Drive and Independence Blvd. After the victim placed her child in the car the suspect approached her armed with a handgun. He forced her into the vehicle and drove her to another location where he raped and sexually assaulted her in the presence of the child.

 

Once released, the victim immediately located a security guard and police were contacted.  Physical evidence was collected at the time but no suspect was developed.      

 

 

The victim read about the department's new Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit and contacted Detective Troy Armstrong. He reviewed the case and had the Crime Laboratory process the stored physical evidence. He matched results to William Lippard, 56, of Olin, NC.

 

The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office reviewed the case and authorized warrants for William Lippard. With assistance from Iredell County Sheriff's Office, William Lippard was taken into custody without incident on November 8, 2006 and transported to Mecklenburg County Jail.

This Sexual Assault Cold Case Unit began full-time operations in January 2006. This is the fourth arrest and 16th case cleared so far this year.
 
###

 

Information contact:
Julie Hill, Public Affairs
704.336.4098