Another Marquez woman assaulted in her home

“The women of the Marquez community are terrified and the men are outraged,” said Marquez Fire Chief Maurice Bourne concerning the latest assault which occurred in Marquez.

On Saturday morning, September 5, between the hours of four and five o’clock, an 80-year-old Marquez woman woke up to a man in her bedroom demanding money. According to Leon County Sheriff’s investigator Victor Smith, the victim put up a fight and was able to lock herself in her bedroom. She then climbed out of her bedroom window and went for help. The victim said she was attacked by a Hispanic looking male, between 5’5” and 5’10” wearing dark colored clothes.

On July 21, another Marquez woman, who lives less than one-half mile from this victim, was assaulted in a similar manner.

In both cases the telephone lines had been cut and there was either a sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault. Both victims live on Highway 7. The latest lived about ½ mile from the Highway 79 intersection.

On July 19 a Normangee woman was attacked while working in her yard. The Sheriff’s Department does not believe this incident to be connected to the two in Marquez but the assailants in all three cases are still at large.

The Leon County Sheriff’s Department is requesting anyone who may have seen or sees anything suspicious to call them at 903-536-2749.

All citizens should take precautions to ensure personal safety. Be sure to lock doors and windows and have a cell phone close at hand. Program 9-1-1 into speed dial and practice using it.