Jacobs indicted for rape, murder
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The suspect, Joshua Jacobs, 20, was indicted on four counts of felony murder, and one count each of aggravated burglary, aggravated rape, attempted theft and theft. The felony murder counts each spell out a different felony Jacobs was committing when he allegedly killed Ruby Thurman inside her home.
Felony murder, or murder committed in the course of committing a felony, is a capital offense just like premeditated murder. Any of the four murder counts could cost Jacobs his life if convicted, as prosecutors have pledged to seek the death penalty. An official announcement is expected in Jacobs’ arraignment later this month.
The indictments maintain it was Jacobs who forced his way into Thurman’s home during the night-time hours of July 12-13 by busting out a window with his hand, an entry which left the 20-year-old with a severe cut for which he is still under treatment. Once inside, investigators believe the feeble, elderly woman confronted him while supporting herself on her walker, at which time the victim was raped and killed by Jacobs.
Her body was found inside her water-filled bathtub. The official cause of death is a combination of asphyxiation and blunt trauma.
Jacobs, in his confession to the crime, at first claimed a second person participated in the rape and killing. However, in his second confession, Jacobs took sole responsibility.
Lawmen are waiting on additional scientific evidence before confirming or denying the participation of a second killer or accomplice. No one has been charged at present, although the alleged second killer’s name has been stated in open court. Blood found at the scene has already been linked by DNA to Jacobs.
The indictments maintain the aggravated burglary and attempted theft were the result of Jacobs attempt to steal the victim’s car, a car which would not start. Jacobs has said the car was the reason he first broke into the house. The theft charge comes as lawmen maintain Jacobs stole a flashlight during the course of the burglary.