On Sunday, June 9, 2024, around midnight, near the town of Reddick, a 91-year-old victim was awakened to find a person sneaking through her home. In a cruel act of violence, she was beaten and sexually battered by the suspect. Following an intense investigation by Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) detectives, 14-year-old, Jesse Stone (DOB: 12/22/2009) was arrested today for the attack.
Through the collection of DNA evidence, forensic investigators were able to positively identify the
suspect. During an interview with Detective Caitlin Hartigan, Jesse Stone admitted to unlawfully entering the victim’s home, striking the victim, and then sexually battering her.
Sheriff Woods said, “I told everyone last week that we would find the person responsible, and we
have. I’m very proud of the hard work that my detectives and forensics team have done on this case to
bring about a quick closure. This type of unimaginable violence is still shocking to me after all of my years in law enforcement. The Reddick community has shown its resilience and support for us and their
community through all of this. I also want to thank all of the citizens that sent in tips and leads in this case. It came as a shock that any individual would commit such an act on a 91-year-old, but it is truly disturbing when we see the young age of the arrestee. Although I firmly believe he should be held accountable for his crime, as a father, my compassion goes out to his family. Hopefully his arrest will lead to getting him help that prevents any further such acts.”
Stone was arrested and delivered to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
