Man Suspected of Being "The Twilight Rapist" is Arrested

All three of my novels have featured the psychological terror that is involved when a serial killer is on the loose. This terror is not only seen in those who are afraid to venture out in their own communities for fear of being the next victim, but also when we take a look into the thoughts of the killer himself. What kind of mindset justifies such despicable behavior? The same question can be asked not only of serial killers, but also of those who are charged as serial rapists. One recent case is particularly startling in that the alleged rapist is assigned with guarding us from other violent criminals.

Billy Joe Harris was arrested in Texas on Monday and is a suspect in a dozen rapes that occurred over the past two years. He is being held on the charge of burglary with intent to commit a felony and DNA samples link him to five other assaults or attempted assaults. Before his capture, he was considered one of the most wanted men in the state, earning the nickname of "The Twilight Rapist," and Governor Rick Perry even formed a task force to find him.

Harris is a longtime employee with the state prison system who once worked as an officer with the Texas Youth Commission . It is sad to think that someone who was given the honorable duty of ensuring safety for his fellow citizens may have been a perpetrator of violence against women when off-duty.

Of course everyone who stands accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. But, if it is proven that he is the serial rapist for whom so many have been looking, I hope that the women in small towns across his part of Texas who lived in fear of "The Twilight Rapist" will be able to rest a little easier.