ROEBUCK MAN RECEIVES LIFE PRISON SENTENCE FOR VIOLENT ATTACK

A Roebuck man received a life prison sentence without the possibility of parole today after he admitted to breaking into an elderly woman’s home and trying to sexually assault her.

Roderick Coan, 39, pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary, assault and battery with intent to kill and attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The crime occurred July 3, 2004 about 5 a.m. The 70-year-old victim told Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies that Coan forced his way into her house and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim grabbed a piece of iron and attempted to fight him off. He took the iron and used it to beat her.

When deputies arrived, the victim named Coan as her attacker and she reported that he cut her grass in the days leading up to the assault. Deputies found Coan’s baseball cap inside the home.

In the hours following the crime, Coan called 911 to request assistance for a head injury. Coan expressed his remorse in an interview with deputies following his arrest. Coan’s criminal record includes convictions for XXX XXXX