Ruston man charged with murder, rape in home invasions

RUSTON, LA (KSLA) - A Ruston man is accused of 1st degree murder and aggravated rape, along with a host of other charges, in connection with two home invasions there last week.

At a new conference Tuesday afternoon, Ruston Police Chief Stephen J. Rogers announced the arrest and detailed the crimes investigators believe 26-year-old Cameron Kinte Mays committed.

The first home invasion happened early in the morning of June 4 on Roberts Street. That's where investigators say the victim, a 20 year old female, reportedly was at home when two armed intruders broke into her residence and tied her up. They say one of the two intruders also sexually assaulted her, before they stealing several items from the victim's residence.

Chief Rogers says investigators worked with agents from the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team (LPNET), and on Wednesday afternoon, June 6th, officers arrested Cameron Mays on a warrant for Possession of Stolen Things over $1500. Mays was transported to the Lincoln Parish Detention center where he was held on this charge.

The second home invasion was reported on June 8 at a home on Paynter Drive. That's where a neighbor found the body of Susan E. Hashway, 63, after a relative asked them to check on her.

For the home invasion on Robert Street, Mays is charged with aggravated rape, aggravated burglary, aggravated kidnapping, armed robbery, unauthorized use of a movable, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

For the home invasion on Paynter Drive, Mays is charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, unauthorized use of an access card over $500, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Police do not have the second suspect in custody. They say the search for that person, and the investigation, is ongoing.

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