Rewards will be paid to anyone with information on the rape a 91-year-old Vicksburg woman at knifepoint on Monday and perhaps for unsolved homicides earlier this month and in May, police said.

Crimestoppers, an organization funded by individuals and business people in the community, is offering $500 to anyone who can help find the suspect in Monday’s attack, described by the victim to police only as a young, black male wearing a T-shirt and blue jeans.

The victim, a widow who was alone in her home in a residential area north of the main entrance to the federal Engineering Research and Development Center and east of Halls Ferry Road, remains hospitalized, according to reports. Police said she responded to a knock on her door about 6:30 p.m. and her attacker forced his way into her home.

Police say they are investigating the case, looking for leads. Capt. Mark Culbertson, chief of detectives, said the reward will be offered for information and perhaps for two homicides this year that police are also still investigating.

In the first homicide, Kennado Caples, 26, 2708 Letitia St., was shot and killed by an intruder around 3:25 a.m. May 8 at the home he shared with his girlfriend.

On July 17, David W. “Jones” Anderson, 41, 4719 Gibson Road, was shot and killed outside the Elks Lodge at 2916 Walnut St. Another man, John King, 38, 2006 Ford St., was also shot outside the Elks Lodge and taken to the hospital.

Anyone wanting to add to the Crimestoppers reward amount can contact the office of District Attorney Gil Martin and specify which reward fund they wish to support, Culbertson said. Anyone with information should contact police. The identity of those providing tips will not be disclosed.

“It’s likely we will have rewards out for all three cases,” Culbertson said.

At midmorning Tuesday, investigators were canvassing the neighborhood where the rape occurred, showing residents a composite sketch of the suspect, investigations analyst Suzan Ebeling said.

The incidents, coupled with a warrant being issued for Tremaine Donte Williams, 21, 1900 Baldwin Ferry Road Apt 6B, for firing eight shots at another city man last Thursday, come just before next Tuesday’s National Night Out, formerly the National Night Out Against Crime.

Sgt. Beverly Prentiss is organizing the local observation of the national anti-crime event, now in its 22nd year.

The local event will be at City Park Auditorium from 6 until 8 p.m. and will include refreshments, music and guest speakers, Prentiss said.

Anyone interested in having a block party in his or her neighborhood is encouraged to do so, Prentiss said.

“This is a chance for the community to get to know one another and be the eyes and ears of the neighborhood,” Prentiss said.

Those requesting information on proper staging procedures may contact Sgt. Prentiss at the station at 601-636-2511.