A 94-year-old woman in Baton Rouge was brutally attacked on her front porch in broad daylight on March 5, police said, in an alleged assault by 22-year-old Jeremiah Taylor. Officers responded quickly after a report was filed and released images to the public, leading to the suspect’s identification within minutes.

Taylor has been charged with first-degree rape, second-degree battery, and cruelty to the infirm, and is being held without bond at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Baton Rouge Police Chief T.J. Morse described the attack as “horrendous” and “unacceptable,” noting that the victim suffered broken bones during the assault.

Authorities expressed frustration that Taylor had a violent criminal history, including prior arrests for simple burglary, first-degree rape, theft, and second-degree battery, yet had been released from jail in January after a previous rape charge was dismissed. Taylor was allegedly charged with raping another victim three times, one of which occurred the day after his release.

Video evidence reportedly shows Taylor stalking another woman before she entered her home, and his foster mother has accused him of sexual assault during the COVID pandemic, when he was a minor. Additional accusations included sexual assault of a family member, but the district attorney could not locate the victim, and the case was dropped.

Chief Morse criticized the judicial system’s handling of Taylor’s prior cases, highlighting the dangers posed to vulnerable populations. Taylor had no detailed comment when asked about the attack on the 94-year-old woman.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said the investigation is ongoing, but stressed that the evidence against Taylor is overwhelming. Authorities have not reported any additional suspects in the case.