A true-crime podcast has helped crack one of Louisiana's most frustrating cold cases, leading to the arrest of four men accused of murdering a woman whose body was discovered more than four decades ago.
Roxanne Sharp's remains were found dumped near the St. Tammany Parish Fairgrounds in Covington, Louisiana on February 12, 1982. She had been raped and strangled. For 43 years, the case went nowhere. Investigators had limited physical evidence, and despite their efforts, her killers remained at large.
Then in 2023, Louisiana State Police detectives decided to take another look. They reinterviewed witnesses, reviewed case files meticulously, gathered additional evidence, and sent original evidence for DNA analysis. The renewed focus began to pay dividends.
Last year, the case took an unexpected turn when detectives partnered with radio host Charles Dowdy of Northshore Media Group to launch a podcast titled "Who Killed Roxanne?" The series resonated with listeners and sparked something investigators couldn't generate on their own: fresh information, new leads, and witness cooperation that had previously remained hidden.
Justice Arrives After Four Decades
The podcast's impact became clear this month when authorities announced four arrests:
Billy Williams Jr., 62, was arrested in Covington on April 21. Darrell Dean Spell, 64, was arrested at his home in Dayton, Ohio, and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana. Perry Wayne Taylor, 64, and Carlos Cooper, 64, both of Covington, were already incarcerated by the Louisiana Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and made contact with detectives on April 22.
All four men face charges of aggravated rape and second-degree murder.
Covington Police Chief Michael Ferrell praised the relentless dedication of law enforcement.
"The resolution of Roxanne Sharp's case is a testament to what happens when dedicated law enforcement officers refuse to let a victim be forgotten," Ferrell said. "Cold cases don't close themselves. They close because people show up year after year and refuse to quit. That is exactly what our agencies did, and today, Roxanne and her family finally have the justice they have waited so long for."
District Attorney Collin Sims added that the case demonstrates the value of collaboration and modern investigative tools.
"This case is a powerful example of what persistence, collaboration, and advancements in investigative technology can accomplish. For more than four decades, this victim and her family have waited for answers. Today's arrests reflect our unwavering commitment to pursue justice — no matter how much time has passed — and to hold those responsible fully accountable."
The Podcast Effect
The case represents a growing trend in criminal justice: public engagement through podcasts and media helping to solve cases that traditional investigative methods alone could not crack. By bringing Roxanne Sharp's story to thousands of listeners, detectives were able to reach people who had information but had never come forward before.
The success also underscores the importance of cold case units that refuse to let investigations gather dust. With DNA technology advancing and witness memories sometimes becoming clearer with time, even decades-old cases can find resolution.
Sharp's family finally has answers after more than 43 years of waiting.
This article is based on reporting from NBC News. Read the original story at NBCNews.com.