Columbus County family worries attacker may be on the loose

A family in Columbus County worries an attacker – and possible rapist – may be on the loose.

Family members say their 85-year-old aunt was beaten and possibly raped last October.

Ten months later, the case is closed, and the family is still looking for answers.

When Ida Smith did not answer her phone, her nephew went to check on her.

Richard Wilson said he found his aunt naked and bleeding on her bedroom floor.

She was taken to the Columbus County hospital.

Medical reports show Ida had broken her legs, and had bruises on her face and upper body.

The Columbus County sheriffs office investigated the incident.

Several months later, Ida’s family requested the incident report, and discovered the case was closed.

Helen Wilson, Ida’s Niece, said, “My biggest concern is that she’s almost 90-years-old. There’s plenty of women in Bolton who are left alone and we have a predator out.”

Ida’s family says the sheriffs department never told them when they closed the case. They say when they asked why it had been closed, they were told the injuries appeared to be from a fall.

We asked Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten about the reasons for closing Ida Smith’s case.

He said he would review it and make a determination on the status of the case by Friday.