Zhenhao Zou, a 28-year-old PhD student, was sentenced to a minimum of 24 years in prison for drugging and raping 10 women across the UK and China, with police fearing many more victims. The case revealed extensive footage and evidence of his crimes, highlighting his manipulative and predatory behavior, and prompting an appeal for potential victims to come forward.
The FBI has solved the 1996 cold case murders of Julianne "Julie" Williams and Laura "Lollie" Winans in Shenandoah National Park, identifying deceased serial rapist Walter "Leo" Jackson Sr. as the perpetrator through recent DNA testing. Despite the brutal nature of the crime, authorities found no evidence that the women were targeted due to their sexual orientation. Jackson, who died in prison in 2018, had a history of kidnapping, rape, and assault. The investigation continues to determine if he is linked to other unsolved crimes.
Bowen Turner, a suspected serial rapist accused of three brutal rapes and violating his bond conditions over 50 times, has been released from prison after serving only 483 days behind bars. Despite facing charges that could have resulted in up to 30 years in prison, Turner pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to probation under the Youthful Offender Act. The case involving his first alleged victim was dropped, and the second victim, Dallas Stoller, died by suicide after being bullied for coming forward. Another victim, Chloe Bess, saw her case reduced to assault. Turner's release has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the criminal justice system's handling of sexual assault cases.
California police have arrested Brandon Delliquadri, a Walnut Creek resident, on charges of multiple counts of rape, including forcible rape and rape of an unconscious victim. Authorities suspect that Delliquadri may be connected to several sexual assaults over the past few years and are urging potential victims to come forward. The Walnut Creek Police Department is actively investigating the case and has provided contact information for anyone with relevant information.
The Netflix documentary "Missing: The Lucie Blackman Case" revisits the disappearance of Lucie Blackman, a UK flight attendant who went missing in Tokyo in 2000. The film explores the cultural clash between the police, the media, and Lucie's father, as well as the disturbing presence of a notorious serial rapist, Joji Obara. While the documentary provides a solid true crime narrative, it leaves room for deeper exploration of the power dynamics and press relationships in Japan.
Matthew Nilo, a New Jersey lawyer, was arrested in connection with a 15-year-old Boston rape spree after being lured to the scene of his arrest with his fiancée by a bogus package report. Nilo pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault with attempt to rape, and indecent assault and battery. Investigators identified the attorney using genetic genealogy to link him to the unsolved spree. Nilo allegedly drove three women to a remote part of Boston after offering them rides home and sexually assaulted them. In the fourth case, he allegedly tackled a woman who was jogging on Terminal Street and sexually assaulted her with his hand.