THPD: Suspect's DNA links him to rape of 16-year-old

Williams

An alleged violent sexual battery last winter has led to the arrest of a Terre Haute man last night -- after officials say the teen-aged girl he is accused of  raping suffered serious injuries, requiring hospitalization.

Officers of the Terre Haute Police Department executed the arrest warrant for Barnard "Haitian" L. Williams, 29, after DNA evidence results came back, linking the suspect to the crime. He was booked into the Vigo County Jail last night at about 6:30 p.m., charged with raping the 16-year-old victim in February.

Officers responded to a local hospital on a report of the victim's condition on Feb. 16.  According to the probable cause affidavit, prepared by Detective Donald Toney, a trauma nurse informed officers upon arrival that the victim was incoherent and unresponsive. Numerous signs of extreme violence were noted on the patient. As her condition was deteriorating, she was soon transported to an Indianapolis hospital for specialized care.

Investigation reveals the minor was attending a party on the north side of Terre Haute the night before the attack. She allegedly consumed alcohol and a combination of controlled substances. At some point, the victim reportedly became in and out of consciousness  Williams was left alone with the victim after, according to the court documents, he arrived at the northside house and eventually drove her to a south side apartment complex on South 19th Street.

The victim's mother reportedly received a text message from another daughter at about 12:30 p.m. the day of the alleged rape, indicating the rape victim was passed out. She went to the apartment located in Greenwood Manor to attempt to wake her daughter up. She found she had been beaten and was not wearing  a bra, socks, shoes or underwear, according to the report. 

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After several males attending the party voluntarily submitted DNA samples for investigation, they were ruled out as suspects in the incident by the Indiana State Police Lab. Williams reportedly refused to submit a DNA sample and one was then court ordered July 17 -- which detectives claim  connect him to the alleged rape and subsequently being charged with the felony.

Williams appeared in Superior Court Div.3 this morning, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was appointed a public defender. His next scheduled hearing is set for  10 a.m. Thursday. Bond remains is  $75,000, no 10 percent allowed.