Georgia and Ohio victims sought in Cobb serial rape investigation

Police believe Georgia man is a multi-state serial rapist

A multi-state serial rape investigation is underway after police arrested an Austell man for a violent assault inside a Cobb County home. Authorities say additional victims may be in Ohio and Georgia. 

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A 22-year-old man has been arrested in a Cobb County serial rape investigation after police said he attacked an Austell woman, and detectives believe there are more victims across Georgia and Ohio.

What we know:

Cobb County police arrested 22-year-old Jahmel Palmer of Austell following a violent break-in on April 29. 

Court documents show a man forced his way inside a woman's home, punched her, choked her, pulled her into a bedroom by her hair and raped her. The attacker held the woman captive inside her own home for hours before neighbors saw police arrive. 

Neighbor Kaylee Reyes said she saw five or six police officers show up after one of her neighbors was crying and screaming in the street that morning.

Investigators now believe Palmer is a serial rapist whose crimes span four years and cross state lines. 

"During the detectives' investigation, they discovered that there may be other victims of rape, by this subject, dating back to 2022," Sgt. Eric Smith said. Police have identified at least three victims but believe there are more women who have been assaulted by Palmer in both Georgia and Ohio.

Officials noted that some of the victims might be Hispanic and could be hesitant to speak with law enforcement. 

"It's possible that some of these victims are afraid to come forward. We want to get justice for them, and hold the offender accountable, and to get them the services and support they need," Smith said. Reyes also expressed hope for the community, saying, "I do hope that these women get the justice they deserve."

What they're saying:

"The Cobb County Police Department wants to make one thing clear: our priority is protecting victims, providing support, and holding offenders accountable," the department said in a statement.

Authorities said anyone who believes they may be a victim or who has information connected to the investigation will be treated "with dignity, compassion, and respect."

What you can do:

Investigators are urging anyone who may have had contact with the suspect or believes they may have been victimized to contact the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

What we don't know:

Police do not know exactly how many victims are out there. Detectives are still working to determine the full scope of the crimes and locate any additional women Palmer may have targeted since 2022.