The man accused of raping an elderly woman in New York's Central Park frightened people for years in his tiny West Virginia hometown. One neighbor says residents were so terrified after his release from prison last year they bought guns to protect themselves.
Before he was arrested on charges he attacked a 73-year-old birdwatcher, 42-year-old David Albert Mitchell was twice arrested on charges that he raped elderly women. He was acquitted of murder charges in one case, and considered a person of interest in another slaying.
Wayne Mitchell, who is not related to the suspect, says David Mitchell has terrorized people and preyed on elderly women for years.
David Mitchell's attorney has not responded to requests for comment. Mitchell did not speak to reporters as he was led out of the special victims unit on Friday.
