(WALKERSVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police investigators have arrested and charged a Frederick County juvenile, as an adult, in connection with the sexual assaults of two women as they jogged through a local park on April 6, 2014.
The suspect is identified as Kelby Spence, 17, of the 8500-block of Adventure Court, Walkersville, Maryland. Spence has been charged as an adult with three counts of attempted second degree rape and three counts of third degree sexual offenses. The suspect was arrested by investigators, without incident, following a meeting at the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack. He is currently being held at the Frederick County Detention Center on $175,000 bond.
Shortly after 5:30 p.m. on April 6, 2014, troopers from the Frederick Barrack were dispatched to a reported sexual assault that had just occurred in the Walkersville Community Park, on Kenneth Drive in Walkersville, Md. Upon arrival, troopers learned the two victims had been jogging on the path within the park when the 37 year old woman was grabbed from behind by a man. She fought back, as the suspect attempted to pull down her running pants. The 50 year old woman came to her aid and fought to get the man off her. The older victim also used a cell phone to call 911. She was assaulted by the suspect. Investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division responded and contacted the victims. A composite sketch of the suspect was developed based on the victims’ accounts.
This case had many similarities to an incident that occurred in November 2013. In this incident a 57 year old woman was walking along the path in the park with her grandson when she was attacked from behind by a man. She was able to fight off her attacker and escape.
Through several interviews, leads generated by the composite sketch and tips from the community, State Police investigators were able to link these two cases. Kelby Spence has been identified and charged with the sexual assaults in both. Spence was arrested without incident at the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack following a meeting. He is currently being held at the Frederick County Detention Center.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is still urged to contact TFC Josh White of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division at 301-600-4150 or Sgt. Rick Bachtell 443-463-2164. Callers may remain anonymous. This investigation continues.
