Rape charge added in Avondale stabbing death

By Christian Boone and Marcus K. Garner

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Authorities have added rape charges to accusations against the neighbor of a deaf woman murdered in her apartment Sunday morning.

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DeKalb Sheriff's Office Darrel Charles Smith, also 21, was apprehended by the DeKalb Sheriff's Office Fugitive Squad

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Darrel Charles Smith, 21, appeared before DeKalb Magistrate Court Judge Abbi Taylor Wednesday night to hear charges against him.

Through a sign language interpreter, Smith, who is also deaf, was asked if he understood the second charge against him.

"Do you understand the charges that you handcuffed her and raped her, having carnal knowledge of her, before stabbing her to death?" Taylor asked Smith.

Bond may be set by a Superior Court judge at a later date. His next appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Tekelia Blackshear, 21, died from multiple stab wounds. Her neighbor at the Oak Creek Apartment complex, Smith, was apprehended by the DeKalb Sheriff's Office Fugitive Squad and is being held without bond in the county jail.

A neighbor said he heard screams coming from Blackshear's apartment around 8 a.m. Sunday. The victim's twin sister, who lived with her, was at work at the time of the murder.

Police have not released a motive in the killing.