Suspect In Kidnap/Atempted Rape Of 75-Year-Old Ventura Woman Pleads Not Guilty

Friday May 26, 2023

     Updated--The suspect in the kidnap and attempted rape of a 75-year-old Ventura woman in her front yard May 24th has been formally charged by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

     26-year-old Lathanial Walker, described by Ventura police as a vagrant, entered not guilty pleas Friday to Felony Attempted Kidnapping for Rape and two Misdemeanors of Lewd Conduct and Elder Abuse.

     He also denied 21 special allegations.

     Walker was ordered to remain in jail with no chance of bail.

     The victim was gardening in her front yard in the 200 block of South Dunning Street around 8:15 AM on the morning of May 24th when Walker is alleged to have walked up and just stood there watching her for several minutes.

     Police say he then is alleged to have moved closer to her, dropped his pants, grabbed her, and began to drag her toward a more secluded area.

     The victim yelled for help and her neighbors rescued her.

     Police say that Walker ran towards the Pacific View Mall where responding officers found him and took him into custody.

     According to court and jail records, Walker was released from jail back in March after serving time for an August 2021 burglary in Oxnard.

     Police say Walker has an extensive criminal record in Florida including robbery, assault on a child, and vehicle theft.