Hearing for convicted rapist delayed

Convicted rapist Jerome Sydney Barrett, 60, will face a Davidson County Criminal Judge Dec. 12 after his arraignment hearing was delayed this morning.

Barrett is currently charged with the murder of 19-year-old Sarah Vannatta Des Prez in 1975. He was released from prison in 2002 after being convicted of raping a Belmont University student during the same time, according to police.

Police arrested Barrett Nov. 19 in the Des Prez case in Memphis where he lived.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Barrett’s family is currently seeking legal council, which caused the delay.