Sheriff Looking Into Kidnapping Suspect's Past
CORSICANA (CBSDFW.COM) - The Parker County Sheriff is calling the home of a kidnapping suspect a house of horrors.
A 62-year-old woman was taken from her home near Perrin, March 1 and found Saturday at a home in Corsicana, said Sheriff Larry Fowler.
Jeffery Allen Maxwell, 58, is charged with aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies found a bed with chains and leather restraints attached to the frame, as well as handcuffs, a gagging device, and adult novelty items inside the home.
An investigator discovered the woman there when he went to question the suspect about her disappearance.
"He heard a noise coming from inside like something moving across the floor," Fowler said, "then all of a sudden she comes rushing out screaming 'I'm here, I'm here."
Maxwell admitted to kidnapping her and raping the woman, according to official court documents, but investigators still have a lot of unanswered questions.
"Why her? This is a 62-year-old lady, she was something of a recluse up there, never caused any problems." Fowler said, "I think we're very fortunate we got her back, very fortunate."
They are not ruling out more possible victims.
Maxwell was arrested in 1987 for an alleged assault on his wife at the time. According to the affidavit, she claimed she was duct taped, tortured, raped and drugged, then woke up in a hospital. The grand jury decided not to indict Maxwell in the case.
Officials are also looking into other missing person's cases to see if there could be a link, including Amelia Smith who disappeared in 2000. "She's never been heard from, so obviously we want to be talking to some people about that," said Fowler.
Smith's family spoke with CBS 11 Monday night. They admit the details of the recent kidnapping are strikingly similar, enough to stir up hope they may have answers of their own.
