District Attorney Collin Sims announces that a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury returned true bills today (May 13, 2026), indicting four men for the 1982 rape and murder of 16-year-old Roxanne Sharp. The indictments are the result of an intensive investigation by the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit.
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The following individuals have been indicted for Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Rape:
- Billy L. Williams, Jr., 62, of Covington, LA
- Darrell Dean Spell, 64, of Covington, LA
- Carlos W. Cooper, 64, currently incarcerated at Louisiana State Penitentiary
- Perry W. Taylor, 64, currently incarcerated at Winn Correctional Center
An indictment is an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
The charges stem from the brutal assault and death of Roxanne Sharp, which occurred between February 9 and February 12, 1982. For over four decades, the case remained unsolved until recent efforts by investigators and the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit brought new life to the investigation. This marks the second cold case indictment secured by the unit this year.
The successful indictment was made possible through the collaborative work of the Louisiana State Police, with assistance from the Covington Police Department. Chief of Criminal Division Doug Freese and Assistant District Attorney Gary Tromblay presented the case to the grand jury and are handling the case for the District Attorney’s Office.
"Our Cold Case Unit is committed to seeking justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed," District Attorney Collin Sims stated. "The indictment of these four individuals for the 1982 murder of Roxanne Sharp is a significant step toward that goal."
Following today’s indictments, the defendants will be scheduled for formal arraignment in the 22nd Judicial District Court.
As this is a pending and ongoing criminal matter, the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District will have no further comment at this time.
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