DA asks for help with Owens assault

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich is requesting assistance from the public to aid in the investigation of the assault of Matthew Owens.

"Investigators need more assistance from the public in this case. And, so far, no one is able to identify any additional suspects," said DA Ashley Rich.

Neighbors have said that over a dozen people assaulted Owens with paint cans and other weapons in the street after he asked some children to get out of the street.

Police said the incident was likely the result of an ongoing dispute between Owens and another man who lives on the street which dates back to 2009. So far only one arrest has been made.

Rich said Terry Rawls, 44, was arrested on April 25 in connection with the assault, and she said that arrest was made quickly because the victim picked him out of a photo spread. 

Owens was assaulted on Delmar Drive on April 21 and, according to the DA's office, no new information has been discovered that would lead to any more arrests.

"If there were other people who may not have been a part of the neighborhood, who may have been visiting someone in the neighborhood, who may have been there for other reasons, if they have any information we ask that  they would come forward," said Rich.

Rich said neighbors on Delmar have been helpful in their investigation.

"We are appreciative of all of their efforts in giving us all the information that we needed to even get the investigation this far," said Rich.

Rich said social media is a big part of investigations now. So if you've seen anything online that may help authorities in this case let them know.

"If someone has posted something on the internet or said something about what they may have seen or heard that went on out there, that information and those tips are helpful as well," said Rich. 

Those with information can submit it anonymously by contacting the Mobile County District Attorney's Office at 574-8400 and speaking with Mike Morgan.

"We know others have knowledge of what happened that Saturday night, and we need someone to come forward to help identify any others involved in this case. They certainly can remain anonymous," Rich said.