TH transient accused of raping woman at homeless campsite

ICN file photo

Davis/ Vigo Co. Jail

 By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A local transient is accused of recently raping and beating a woman at a homeless campsite in Vigo County during a fight about his alleged drug use.

John E. Davis, 48, of Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail Sunday around 11:30 a.m. on multiple charges, including two counts of rape, two counts of domestic battery, confinement, intimidation and interference with the reporting of a crime. He was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for criminal conversion.

According to the probable cause affidavit, filed by Lt. Brian DeHart, of the Vigo County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the Wabash River bridge on a report of sexual assault. The victim had reportedly managed to escape the suspect and flee to a nearby residence to call for help. 

DeHart describes the woman as being visibly injured, with facial swelling and knots on her head. She was covered in dirt and her clothing was wet.  She was emotional and crying before being transported to a local hospital for examination and treatment.

The victim  informed responding  emergency crews that her boyfriend, a transient residing at the camp located under the bridge, had gone into a rage while smoking methamphetamine --  beating her and raping her repeatedly.

Investigation revealed the victim had been involved in a sexual relationship with Davis for several months. Although she is not homeless, she has opted to stay with him at the homeless campsite on a regular basis. This particular night, she confronted him about his meth use. A former meth user, she reportedly has been abstaining from the drug for some time.

The victim reportedly informed the suspect  she wanted to break up due to his meth use.

He began taunting her as he smoked a meth pipe, she stated. He allegedly then blew smoke from the pipe into her face. When she attempted to make a call on his cell phone to leave, he became hostile, according to the documents. 

Violence  continued throughout the night, according to the report.

He allegedly punched her , hit her, raped her and threatened her life while holding her against her will.

"She says John put a knife up against her throat and threatened to kill her and then himself," according to the documents, adding that he forced himself on her and allegedly raped her two additional times that night.

The suspect ultimately was taken into custody at a church in Dresser, while services were being held.

Davis remains held in the jail. He is set to appear in Div. 6 Court before Judge Michael Lewis tomorrow afternoon. His bond is set at $50,000 , no 10 percent allowed. ​

Trans-Care and Sugar Creek Rescue assisted at the scene.

---