Herbert Earl Stilley, III, 27, of Sarasota, was found guilty Friday of entering a home with a gun, demanding money and raping the mother.
The incident happened on Feb. 10, 2015, at 2 a.m. when the victim was sitting at home with her husband, police said. Both the victim and her husband are deaf but can read lips.
The victim said Stilley entered her home with a gun and pointed it at her face, demanding her phone. Her husband was outside at the time. Stilly then asked, “Where is the money?” according to the victim. The couple’s children were asleep in a nearby bedroom.
In fear for her children’s safety, the victim took Stilley back to her bedroom and gave Stilley her purse. Stilley then sexually battered her, according to the report. Due to Stilley having a gun, the victim did not resist.
Following the incident, Stilley ran out of the bedroom and was chased out of the home by the victim’s husband.
Based on new DNA evidence in May, they were able to issue a warrant for Stilley’s arrest. He was charged with armed home invasion and armed sexual battery.
A sentencing date has not been set.
Sergeant Johnathan Todd, criminal investigation division, said the conviction is the direct result of the diligent and thorough investigation conducted by detectives Kim Laster and Steve McDowell.
