JSO makes arrest in cold case of the rape of an 8-year-old girl

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After close to five years following an assault on an 8-year-old girl, JSO announced that an arrest has finally been made.

In August of 2015, an 8-year-old girl was attacked and sexually assaulted in the woods near the Eagle Pointe apartment complex off University Boulevard North.

Sheriff Mike Williams announced in a press conference Wednesday that 20-year-old Henry Williams was arrested in connection to the case. He is being charged with sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age causing serious injuries, which is a life felony.

At the time of the attack in 2015, Henry Williams was 14 years old and his DNA was not in the system.

The 8-year-old girl was out by herself around 6:40 p.m. on August 10 when Williams allegedly took her into the woods and battered her. Police said that the girl was badly beaten during the assault. The 911 call came from a witness who saw the child come from a wooded area.

Police at the time gathered 75 pieces of evidence.

Williams is being charged as an adult.