Lafayette, LA – A 26-year-old Lake Charles man, Shannon E. Morris Jr., has been indicted on multiple charges, including eight counts of rape and a weapons offense, in connection with a series of violent crimes that took place across several parishes in Louisiana earlier this year. Morris faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence if convicted on the rape charges.
The alleged crime spree began on January 31, when authorities in Calcasieu Parish responded to a report of a sexual assault. The victim told deputies that Morris arrived at her home early that morning, forced his way inside, and demanded money. He then sexually assaulted her, threatening her life while claiming to have a gun. After the assault, Morris stole the victim’s firearm and forced her to drive him to a location in Iowa.
In Iowa, Morris reportedly approached another victim with a firearm, demanding a ride to Jennings. The victim attempted to offer her car to Morris but was forced into the passenger seat. He then drove her along Interstate 10 before heading into Acadia Parish.
Once in Acadia Parish, Morris stopped at a fast food restaurant, where he asked to use the phone. Afterward, he allegedly pulled a gun on an employee sitting in the restaurant’s parking lot, hitting her in the head before forcing her out of the car and driving off in the stolen vehicle.
A short time later, Morris allegedly robbed a shopper at gunpoint at a nearby Wal-Mart, stealing her phone before fleeing in the car taken from the restaurant. His crime spree ended when he was apprehended by authorities in Lafayette Parish after committing several violent acts.
Further investigation by Calcasieu Parish authorities revealed that Morris had allegedly assaulted another victim a day earlier, on January 30. The victim reported that Morris entered her home, locked her in a room, and threatened her with a gun before eventually leaving.
Morris faces a long list of charges in Calcasieu Parish, including second-degree rape, theft of a firearm, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, second-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, attempted second-degree rape, sexual battery, and false imprisonment. He is also being held on a probation and parole violation.
The case highlights the dangerous and violent nature of Morris’ alleged actions, which have left multiple victims in their wake. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the crime spree, and Morris remains in custody as he awaits trial.