Guilty Verdict Returned in Trial of Man Accused of Arlington Rape

WOBURN – Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Arlington Chief of Police Frederick Ryan have announced that Essie Billingslea, 46, of Boston, was found guilty today in Middlesex Superior Court of three counts of aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault in a dwelling, home invasion, and breaking and entering in the daytime.

“The defendant in this case was found guilty of numerous charges in connection with the brutal assault of the victim by a stranger in her own home,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Home is the place where people should feel safest and this victim suffered the loss of that security.”

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of our Arlington Police Detectives and the Middlesex District Attorney's Office,” said Chief Frederick Ryan. “This was a terrible crime that shook our community.”

On June 1, at approximately 8:13 p.m., Arlington Police received a request from a concerned friend of the victim for a well-being check.  When authorities arrived at the residence, they encountered two individuals.  One, a male, later identified as the defendant, was observed by officers and then fled the building and was apprehended nearby.  The second, a female, the homeowner, appeared injured and was in obvious distress. The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Arlington Police began an immediate investigation.

During that investigation, authorities learned that earlier in the evening, the defendant had forced his way into the victim’s home and sexually assaulted her.

The next court date in this case is a status hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 20 at 2:00 p.m.

The prosecutors assigned to this case were Assistant District Attorney Kate Kleimolaand Assistant District Attorney Jessica Langsam. The Victim Witness Advocate was Helena Clarke.