Rev. Smith to ask alleged rapist to turn himself in during press conference today

Offender tried to rape 95-year-old woman

Chicago, IL – Angry that an intruder broke into the South Side home of a 95-year-old woman and tried to rape her, Rev. Donald Smith, pastor of Holy Jerusalem Church, is holding a press conference Wednesday, February 5, 2014, in front of the victim’s home where he and her family are calling for the perpetrator to turn himself in.

Smith is holding a 10:30 a.m. press conference at 1104 West 110^th Place to show support for the victim but also to send a message to the offender. “We know who he is, and he needs to know that,” said Smith.

Rev. Smith, who just eulogized the victim’s last surviving son, said the offender “posed as a friend of her late son claiming he did not know her son was dead and when she opened the door, he pushed past her, grabbing and hitting her in he face. He began groping in her private part. Smith doesn’t know what scared him but said the offender ran before actually performing the sexual act.

Smith is calling for heighten police and community awareness especially those who are single, elderly and living alone. To the perpetrator, Rev. Smith said, “He needs to be aware that we know who you are. It would be in your best interest to turn yourself in.” “We are not angry at him. We understand that he has a problem and we want to help you,” said Smith.

For further information, call Rev. Smith at: 773.454.1990.