Elderly Rapes Terrify Small Texas Towns

A sexual predator has been assaulting elderly women in central Texas over the past year, terrifying residents and frustrating investigators who have only a vague description of the suspect. Pepper spray has been flying off the shelves in the seven towns where the attacks have occurred, and at least one landlord handed out stun guns as Christmas gifts. "I used to think I was too old for anybody to mess with," says one 55-year-old who searches her house with a handgun drawn every time she returns home. "I can't say that anymore."

Beginning with the rape of a 65-year-old woman in the town of Yoakum last January, authorities have linked eight sexual assaults or attempted sexual assaults to the suspect, who has been dubbed the "Twilight Rapist" because most of the attacks occurred around dawn. The victims have all been women, ranging in age from 65 to 91, who live alone. (More Arlington, Texas stories.)