Trial date set for man accused of raping 82-year-old woman

CHESAPEAKE

Clayton Vines’ psychological evaluation suggests that he is competent to stand trial in the abduction and rape of an 82-year-old Chesapeake woman, according to a judge’s ruling.

A jury trial was set for Aug. 25 after Circuit Judge Randy Smith denied Vines’ request Friday for another mental evaluation. Vines’ attorney, Deputy Public Defender A. Robinson Winn, was seeking another opinion, but prosecutors objected.

“He knows there’s only one way for him to not stand trial, and that’s to get himself in a state hospital, and that’s exactly what he’s trying to do,’’ argued Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Derek Wagner.

The 43-year-old suspect faces multiple charges of forcible sodomy, abduction, abduction with the intent to defile, and burglary. Vines is accused of entering the woman’s home in the 200 block of Grant St., near Bainbridge and Great Bridge boulevards in Crestwood, through a broken window and repeatedly sodomizing her.

Authorities have said the woman was assaulted throughout the night of May 24 . The victim, in a preliminary hearing last year, testified that all she could do during the ordeal was cry and pray for help.

She never saw the intruder’s face but recalled his words: “Jesus ain’t here. You don’t see him, do you?’’

According to Chesapeake police, Vines was arrested based on DNA evidence, fingerprints and palm prints found at the home.

Vines is being held at the Chesapeake City Jail, where he has attempted suicide. Vines’ attorney said he suffers from depression and mental disorders, and he may be mentally disabled. He has a history of alcohol abuse and suffered sexual abuse at a young age, his attorney said.

John Hopkins, (757) 222-5221, john.hopkins@pilotonline.com