‘Pillowcase Rapist’ Charged With 6 Felonies in Indiana

Reginald Muldrew, the Southland’s infamous “pillowcase rapist,” was charged in Gary, Ind., on Monday with six felonies, including a count of “criminal deviate conduct” for allegedly fondling a woman after breaking into her home.

Now under constant guard, Muldrew remained hospitalized in serious condition after being severely beaten two weeks ago by two teenagers who chased him after he fled the home of another woman whom he had tried to rob, police said.

Muldrew, who is believed to have raped 200 women in the Los Angeles area during the 1970s, was charged in Lake County Superior Court with two counts each of burglary and confinement. He also faces single counts of robbery and criminal deviate conduct.

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Police said the charges stem from similar incidents that occurred June 24 and Aug. 5. If convicted, Muldrew--whose nickname came from his habit of covering victims’ heads with pillowcases--could face 60 years in prison.

In both Indiana cases, Muldrew allegedly forced his way into the women’s homes, covered their faces with a sheet or pillowcase and stole valuables.

“The [method of operation] sounds real similar to what we had in California,” said Gary Police Det. Delmar Stout, who investigated the cases. “It doesn’t sound like things have changed a lot, except for the rape part.”

Muldrew was released from a California prison in December for good behavior after serving 16 years of a 25-year sentence for rape, burglary and robbery. His early release sparked heated criticism from women’s groups.

Prison officials said they had no choice but to release Muldrew, even though a state psychiatrist found that he had a mental disorder and was still dangerous. After his parole, Muldrew moved to Gary to live near a brother.

In the June incident, Muldrew allegedly entered a home occupied by a 28-year-old woman and her mother. According to a court affidavit, Muldrew grabbed a sheet off the younger woman’s bed, threw it over her head and and started to fondle her. He allegedly fled after the woman’s mother went to call authorities, police said.

On Aug. 5, Muldrew allegedly broke into the house of LaSandra Morris, who lives about four blocks from the first incident. According to a court affidavit, Muldrew allegedly pulled a gun on Morris, forced her to the floor and told her to put a pillow over her head. He then took a purse and fled. There are no sexual allegations in that case.

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Muldrew was chased by two teenagers who beat him severely, Stout said.

“They ran him down because they knew he didn’t belong to the house,” Stout said. “And they saw him running with a purse.”

There were reports of similar break-ins in the area this summer, but Stout said they have no evidence to link Muldrew to the other crimes. Police are continuing their investigation in those cases.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, lawyer Gloria Allred and several of Muldrew’s victims praised prosecutors’ decision to file charges.

“I just hope that the charges stick,” said victim D’Anza Bringier, who traveled with Allred to meet with Indiana officials Saturday. “In this society, you never, ever really know.”