By VICKIE JAMBON

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – A LaPlace man, who allegedly fled to Florida in August 2004 to avoid arrest for the Aug. 6 beating, rape and mutilation of a local woman, was granted a continuance in court Tuesday after his newly-appointed defense counsel requested the results of DNA evidence secured during the investigation of his alleged crime.

State District Court Judge Mary Hotard Becnel reset Bobbie “Red” Caulton’s trial date for April 18, 2005. She also set a motion date for March 9, 2005.

Formerly represented by Attorney Guy Lillian, Caulton was defended Tuesday by Attorney Jeff Hand. Assistant District Attorney William O’Regan is prosecuting the case.

On Sept. 9, 2004, Caulton pled not guilty to attempted first-degree murder, aggravated rape and aggravated kidnapping.

The plea stemmed from allegations made by an unidentified, 33-year-old woman, who told authorities Caulton severely beat her in the head and upper torso, cut off three-fourths of her tongue and raped her, before leaving her for dead in the 400 block of West Fifth Street.

It was later learned that the victim’s tongue had been reattached by a team of physicians.

When the woman was well enough to communicate, she identified Caulton as her attacker.

In the process of investigating Caulton, St. John the Baptist Parish authorities found out the man was originally from the Miami area.

Believing Caulton fled to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale region, local authorities notified Florida law enforcement agencies. The information they released included a home belonging to one of Caulton’s relatives.

Stationing themselves outside the home, Florida authorities waited for Caulton to show up.

Caulton, who was 33 at the time, was captured by Broward County authorities on Aug. 20 at approximately 4 p.m.

He had dyed his hair and beard blond in an effort to disguise himself.

LaPlace authorities traveled to Florida and returned with Caulton.

According to the sheriff’s office, Caulton has a violent, 40-page rap sheet that includes armed robbery, aggravated battery and battery of a police officer.