INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County prosecutors have filed nine felony charges against Larry Duerson Jr., 27, in connection with two sexual assault attacks on the Monon Trail in August.
The first incident occurred Friday, August 8, when Indianapolis police responded to an attempted rape investigation. The victim sustained multiple physical injuries during the attack. Police said Good Samaritans witnessed and intervened in the incident.
A second attack took place Thursday, August 14, also on the Monon Trail. Detectives determined the incident was similar to the first and connected both cases through forensic evidence and victim and witness statements.
Duerson was arrested Thursday in the 3400 block of N Keystone Avenue on preliminary charges of kidnapping, attempted rape, and strangulation.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced the formal charges against Duerson, which include Attempted Rape (Level 1 Felony), Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 2 Felony), two counts of Kidnapping (Level 3 Felonies), two counts of Strangulation (Level 6 Felonies), two counts of Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 5 Felonies), two counts of Sexual Battery (Level 6 Felonies), and Intimidation (Level 6 Felony).
The court set Duerson's bond at $400,000 surety after prosecutors filed a motion for greater than standard bond.
"It took immense strength and resilience for the survivors to come forward and share their experiences with law enforcement," Mears said. "Their courage, along with the community members who stood by them, has put us in a position to file charges and ensure the defendant remains behind bars while he awaits accountability for these unspeakable allegations."
WATCH | Increased patrols on Monon Trail following two recent assaults
