BSO: Suspected Rapist May Have Other Victims
POMPANO BEACH (CBSMiami) – Broward Sheriff's Office detectives said they believe a man they arrested for allegedly raping at least two women may have raped others.
Detectives say they have linked 29-year-old Shonney Booth to the rapes and a robbery case through DNA and victims' statements. BSO said Booth combs the streets, targeting women who may shy away from law enforcement help.
Detectives arrested Booth in Pompano Beach on February 9th after deputies responded to a 911 call of a woman screaming for help. A woman with facial injuries ran to an arriving deputy, claiming Booth just raped her.
When the deputy approached Booth, he jumped into his Mustang and drove away. Deputies boxed in the car and arrested Booth, who claimed the woman was a prostitute he had been with before. She said he offered her a ride as she walked to a bus stop
The woman told detectives that when she got in the car, Booth hit her in the head and she was knocked unconscious. When she awoke, her pants and underwear were down. Detectives said he sexually assaulted her, and a struggle ensued. He slammed her on the ground and threatened to kill her. The victim has no criminal history of prostitution.
Investigators say Booth was involved in "risky" behavior in the Pompano and Dania Beach areas.
"He was driving up and down streets propositioning women to have sex with them for money and in some cases these women were not prostitutes," BSO Sgt. Aimee Alexander told CBS 4's Carey Codd. "They just happened to be walking down the street."
On Feb. 5, BSO says a woman in Dania Beach accepted $120 to have sex with Booth. When they were done, he allegedly said he wanted the money back. Detectives said he threatened her, put her in a headlock and tried to run her over with his 2007 black Ford Mustang. Booth was charged with strong arm robbery.
On Feb. 7, BSO says a woman was walking on Federal Highway in Dania Beach when she said Booth pulled up next to her in his Mustang and grabbed her purse. He said he would return it if she got into his car. She did and that's when detectives said sexually battered her. She escaped. DNA retrieved from evidence at the scene was later linked to Booth.
Alexander says Booth has tattoos on his arms and torso though he often keeps them covered. He has a cross tattoo under his right eye, but he often conceals it with makeup. BSO says Booth often wears glasses and comes across as articulate and smart.
"He may have concealed his tattoos in order to appear more trustworthy to victims as he approached them on the street," Alexander explained. "Seemingly a nice person, just offering them a ride."
Investigators want anyone with information about Booth to be confident to speak up.
"We believe there may be other victims out there who either shied away from reporting to law enforcement or just didn't believe it was a crime," Alexander said. "We're asking them to come forward if they recognize the suspect."
Anyone who believes Booth may have attacked them can report information to BSO Det. Joe Ventura at (954) 321-4240 or call CrimeStoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).
