Suspect arrested in deadly 2023 rape,

beating of 76-year-old woman

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray News) – Almost two years after an elderly woman was raped and severely beaten inside her Louisiana home, a man is now facing charges for the crime.

Lorenzo Jackson, 28, was arrested Wednesday morning by police on Fiegal Street in Sulphur, Lake Charles Deputy Chief of Police Kevin Kirkum said.

Jackson is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape. His bond is set at $4 million.

The charges stem from a break-in that left 76-year-old Sherry Vincent dead.

Jackson is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape. His bond is set at $4 million.

The charges stem from a break-in that left 76-year-old Sherry Vincent dead.

HOW IT HAPPENED

On the night of July 5, 2023, Lake Charles police responded to a medical emergency at Vincent’s home on Caroline Street, Kirkum said.

Authorities said they discovered Vincent had been beaten with a claw hammer and sexually assaulted. She was transported to a local hospital and died several days later on July 19.

The case came under public scrutiny after it was revealed the woman was brutally attacked, but police never alerted the public to the crime.

Over a week after the attack, police issued a brief news release on July 14, but only after KPLC news station asked for information.

Few details were originally released regarding the suspect.

Two years later, Lake Charles police detectives, along with the Southwest Louisiana Crime Lab, obtained enough DNA evidence to issue a warrant for Jackson as the perpetrator of the crime.

In a statement, Vincent’s family referenced early issues in the investigation. However, they said they are ultimately grateful to the investigators who sought justice for the victim.

“When something like this happens, we all seem to want answers quickly. Sometimes it doesn’t always work like that. This was one of those times. LCPD took their time, dotted their I’s and crossed their T’s to make this arrest possible, and April, I, and the rest of the family really appreciate it. We still have a long road ahead of us, but we are feeling very confident that justice will be served,” the family’s statement said, in part.

Vincent lived in her Lloyd Oaks home for about 12 years, her family said. Those homes have since been demolished and a new housing complex is taking shape on the corner of Lake and 18th Streets.

“The best thing about this right now, is this monster is off the streets and cannot hurt anyone else. In the end, Sherry Vincent solved this crime with family and friends close by her side. Mother, grandmother, and sister, she will always live in our hearts,” the family added.