Jury convicts man of raping local realtor

A man is facing sentencing August 22 after he was convicted of raping a central Missouri realtor. A jury found Julian Rowland, 25, guilty of first-degree rape and sodomy, after deliberating more than four hours on Friday following a mistrial in January.

Investigators claim Rowland was looking at apartments to rent with a real estate agent on June 16, 2015, when he cornered her inside a bedroom at the last home and raped her. A brief manhunt took place before Rowland was arrested by Rolla police.

Rowland’s case was later moved from Phelps to Pulaski County on a change of venue. His first trial ended in a hung jury earlier this year.

“We regrouped as a team, gathered a little more evidence, and came back again. This was not one we were going to let get away from us,” said Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney, Brendon Fox.

Fox pointed out Rowland has been accused of related charges. “He had a similar case in Boone County in 2013 but the victim passed away before he could be brought to justice,” said Fox. “His prior certainly raised the stakes in my mind. If we didn’t get him, I know he would have done it again.”

Rowland could face a punishment of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment for each of his three felony counts.

“I hope the victim is able to move on and pick up the pieces after this horrible rape. I also hope this verdict will encourage other victims to come forward and not suffer in silence.”