From: Hannibal Police Department
Date: September 29, 2011
Phone: 573-221-0987
Fax: 573-221-3966
Contact: Lt. John Zerbonia
*** UPDATE***
A warrant was issued Thursday in the 10th Judicial Circuit Court on Melvis G. Palmer, of Hannibal, charging him with 1 count of Assault 1st Degree, 1 count of Forcible Rape and 1 count of Forcible Sodomy. Bond was set at $100,000.00 cash only. Palmer remains in the Marion County Jail.
***ORIGINAL RELEASE***
Officers of the Hannibal Police Department were called to the Hannibal Regional Hospital Emergency Room, Tuesday evening, for a report of a forcible rape. A Hannibal woman reported a known subject had held a knife to her throat and raped her. Hannibal Officers located and arrested the suspect, a 36 year old Hannibal man, a short time later at his residence. He was charged with Assault 1st and Forcible Rape and placed on a 24 hour hold in the Marion County Jail pending issuance of warrants. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated by the Hannibal Regional Hospital. This incident is still under investigation and further information will be released as it becomes available.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation and the defendant is, of course, presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.