Women Remain On Guard Until Serial Rapist Convicted

Women React To Potential Suspect (Added: December 30, 2008)

NBC 4 talks to local women about the potential suspect and how it affects their safety. (more)

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Women Remain On Guard Until Serial Rapist Convicted

NBC 4 talks to local women about the potential suspect and how the serial crime changed the way they think about safety.

By: Donna Willis | NBC4i.com
Published: December 30, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Residents, especially women, have been cautious, careful and frightened for months.

NBC 4's Ana Jackson got answers on how women felt about a potential suspect being behind bars.

Images of the serial rapist and the stories about his attacks haunted many Columbus women.

He was in their thoughts – even when he wasn't in the headlines.

Debbie Keri-Brown said she thought about him.

She said she was more cautious and tried to keep herself safe.

News that a potential suspect already was in jail was encouraging to some.

"I hope they have the right guy. I think it's good that they think they found him," Marianne Ruddle said.

Many women said they'll continue to remain on their guard until the serial rapist is convicted.

Women have learned more on how to protect themselves from pepper spray to self-defense classes and handguns. They've learned how to protect their homes.

The most important lesson? Remain alert. Know your surroundings.

"I don't think people should just wait for a crime to happen to be safe. You have to always be on your guard because you never know what's going to happen," Keri-Brown said.

Women said they're cautiously optimistic. Once police are sure they have the right man behind bars, many women will breathe a careful sigh of relief.

BACKSTORY:
Dec. 29: Recovered Cell Leads CPD To Potential Serial-Rape Suspect
Dec. 9: Police: Leads In Serial Rapist Cases Dwindling
Dec. 3: Police Eliminate Suspects In Serial Rapist Cases
Nov. 18: Police Continue To Investigate Tips About Serial Rapist
Nov. 14: No. Of Serial Rapes Still At 7
Nov. 12: Serial-Rapist Attacks Heighten Safety Concerns
Nov. 12: Worry Turns Into Panic After 7th Attack
Nov. 11: CPD: 7th Sexual Assault Tied To Serial Rapist
Oct. 31: FBI Profiler Works On Serial Rapist Case

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