Wanted rape suspect was ‘principal witness’ in case against convicted Middletown cop shooter

Authorities confirmed wanted rape suspect Jesus Torres, 31, was a “principal witness” who testified in the 2020 attempted murder case against Middletown cop shooter DeSean Owens.

Blaise Gomez

Oct 27, 2022, 4:37 PM

Updated 712 days ago

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News 12 is learning new information this afternoon about a connection between two high-profile criminal cases in the Hudson Valley.  
Authorities confirmed wanted rape suspect Jesus Torres, 31, was a “principal witness” who testified in the 2020 attempted murder case against Middletown cop shooter DeSean Owens.  
Authorities say Torres and Owens were the ones fighting when a woman in the house flagged down Officer Evan Barone for help and the shooting occurred.  
They say Torres was heard on surveillance camera falsely yelling out that he was a "federal agent." 
Owens was sentenced to 58 1/2 years in prison for that incident Oct. 12.  
The FBI is now offering a $10,000 reward leading to Torres’ arrest and say he could be in Atlanta, Georgia, or in Ocale, Florida.  
The Goshen man is accused of raping a girl.  
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 800-CALL-FBI.