LEBANON, Ind. –- 23 charges were filed Monday against the suspect in the stabbing death of an elderly Lebanon man and the attack on his wife.
Zachariah Wright, 19, allegedly broke into the home of 73-year-old Max and Sonja Foster on June 18. The couple said they woke up early that morning to find Wright in their home.
Todd Meyer, Boone County Prosecutor, said Wright left work then broke into several homes, stealing an ax and other items before entering the Fosters' home.
Wright faces charges of aggravated battery, criminal confinement, sexual battery, attempted arson, theft and unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle among others.
“This case is everyone’s nightmare. Waking up with a stranger in your home armed with a deadly weapon,” said Meyer.
Prosecutor Meyer said Wright stabbed Max Foster multiple times and attempted to light on fire and rape Sonja.
Foster family statement: "Sonja was left scarred and without her life partner of almost 50 years." Family thanks detectives.
— Matt McClellan RTV6 (@mcclellantv) June 26, 2017
“In the weeks and the months to come, my office will review the case,” said Meyer, who said he intends to present the case to see if the death penalty will be sought by the state. “It ended in a horrific crime.”
Meyer said he believes this was a “complete random act of violence.”
“This remains an ongoing investigation, but the person we charged with these crimes we believe is the person who committed these acts and there is no evidence of anyone else assisting him in these crimes,” said Meyer.
Sherry Swick, who lives a few houses down from the Fosters, said she recognized Wright immediately.
"I said, I know that kid!" said Swick, who said she knew Wright from her job at Kauffman Engineering in Lebanon. "I passed him every day so I'd tease him a little bit. He was on work release, I didn't know it until I spoke to him."
Swick said she wouldn't have suspected Wright to commit such a crime.
"He seemed like a very nice young man," she said. "He was quiet, pretty much stayed to himself."
Sonja and her family released a statement on the charges.
We take much solace in knowing the right person is behind bars and will suffer consequences of his actions. We’d also like to thank the entire Lebanon community for the tremendous love and support during this extremely difficult time.
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You can watch Meyer's conference in the video below.
Prosecutor: "I want to let the Foster family know our thoughts and prayers are with them for a fast healing process."
— Matt McClellan RTV6 (@mcclellantv) June 26, 2017
Prosecutor: "No matter how unrelated to an investigation you think your info might be, please come forward."
— Matt McClellan RTV6 (@mcclellantv) June 26, 2017
