Story perspectives

Four Arrested in 1982 Roxanne Sharp Murder After DNA, Podcast

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Four men were arrested and charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder for the 1982 killing of Roxanne Sharp in Covington.
Louisiana State Police said DNA re-analysis and a local podcast’s outreach produced the new tips.
Billy Williams Jr. was arrested on April 21.
Perry Wayne Taylor and Carlos Cooper were already in custody on unrelated charges.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell credited persistent community involvement for closing the case.

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Story summary

Four men were arrested and charged with aggravated rape and second-degree murder for the 1982 killing of Roxanne Sharp in Covington.
Louisiana State Police said DNA re-analysis and a local podcast’s outreach produced the new tips.
Billy Williams Jr. was arrested on April 21.
Perry Wayne Taylor and Carlos Cooper were already in custody on unrelated charges.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell credited persistent community involvement for closing the case.