Trial date set for man accused of raping 82-year-old woman

CHESAPEAKE

Clayton Vines’ psychological evaluation suggests that he is competent to stand trial in the abduction and rape of an 82-year-old Chesapeake woman.

A jury trial was set Aug. 25 after Circuit Judge Randy Smith denied a request this morning by Deputy Public Defender A. Robinson Winn for another evaluation. 

“He knows there’s only one way for him to not stand trial and that’s to get himself in a state hospital and that’s exactly what he’s trying to do,’’ argued Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Derek Wagner.

The 43-year suspect faces multiple charge of forcible sodomy, abduction, abduction with the intent to defile and burglary. Vines is accused of entering the women’s Crestwood home through a broken window and repeatedly sodomizing her.

Police have said the woman was assaulted for hours throughout the night of May 24, 2007.

The victim, in a preliminary hearing last year, testified that all she could do during the ordeal was to cry and pray to the Lord for help.

She never saw her attacker’s face but she recalled his words: “Jesus ain’t here. You don’t see him, do you?’’

According to Chesapeake police, Vines was arrested based on DNA evidence, fingerprints and palm prints found at the victim’s home.

Vines is being held at the Chesapeake city jail, where he has attempted suicide.