Prison inmate charged with 1998 Westwood rape

CINCINNATI - Cincinnati's newest fire station is being built where a rape against a 77-year-old woman took place back in 1998.

For 14 years the crime went unsolved, but just like the bulldozers clearing the lot, detectives keep digging at 2487 Harrison Avenue in Westwood.

Then, thanks to a routine DNA sample taken from a new prison inmate in London, Ohio, the case may be solved.

"It's a horrible, disgusting crime," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters.

Police say convicted felon Alfonso William's DNA matches evidence found on the clothing of the victim.

"His profile was just entered based on his conviction from just last year," Deters said.

Williams was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Diana Hutsell, in part because of a phone call made to Hamilton County 911.

In it he admitted to "accidentally" killing the Westwood grandmother. Hutsell befriended Williams last year and let him stay at her apartment where he killed her.

Residents who live near the site of the alleged 1998 rape say they are happy to see the police continue to follow a case after so many years.

Even a registered sex offender agreed, saying 'If you do the crime, you do the time.'

But a rape conviction may not be so easy.

The victim died in 1999, leaving only police reports.

There's no victim to question or cross examine.

And the law usually doesn't allow hearsay.

"But there...are exceptions to the hearsay rule that we may be able to use," said Deters. "Certainly the police investigators will be called as witnesses in this case. We're very confident of a conviction."

If convicted, Williams could face another 40 years behind bars in addition to the 14 he is currently serving.