Sanders cleared from case

Published 12:00 am Monday, August 23, 2004

LAPLACE – Leroy Sanders Jr., 44, is no longer a suspect in the case where a woman was severely attacked and left for dead Aug. 6 in LaPlace.

Capt. Michael Tregre of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday evening, after L’Observateur’s press time, that Sanders learned of the warrant on him and voluntarily came in to clear his name.

Tregre added that Sanders has been cleared of the charges, based on further questioning of the victim. She had earlier identified him by a photograph.

However, Bobbie Caulton, 33, of 1808 Cambridge Drive, is still being actively sought by the sheriff’s office.

Caulton’s warrant charges him with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated rape and aggravated kidnapping involving a woman who sustained severe blows to the head and upper torso. Additionally, nearly three-fourths of her tongue was slashed away. The victim remains hospitalized in an undisclosed location.

Caulton is described as 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and 190 pounds. He is heavily tattooed and may have shaved or dyed his hair.