Serial rapist evades law enforcement

Suspect targeting elderly women in rural Central Texas communities

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Local and statewide law enforcement agencies are warning Central Texans to be on the lookout for an individual suspected in the sexual assault of at least 12 older women in Central Texas this year.

In a prepared statement on Monday, the Texas Dep

artment of Public Safety announced the Texas Rangers have been working with several Central Texas law enforcement agencies, including those in Caldwell County, to capture and bring to justice a suspected serial rapist who has raped, attempted to rape, or robbed women in Luling, Yoakum, and rural communities in Bell, Leon and Falls counties.

“Many of these cases have been linked by physical evidence, including DNA,” said Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal. “All of the victims have been elderly women…”

Leal said the victims range in age from 65 – 91. However, because of the trauma the victims suffer in the attacks, their eye witness statements have provided limited information as to the identity of the suspect.

He is described only as a thin, young, dark-skinned man, probably between 5″6″ and 6 feet tall.

Investigators believe the suspect may have a sexual preference for elderly women, and therefore is most likely not involved in a romantic relationship with a woman near his own age.

Leal said the suspect exhibits familiarity with the communities in which he attacks, and it is possible that he stalks or follows his victims for a period of time before attacking. In some cases, he has cut the phone lines to the victims” homes, preventing the women from calling for help.

Because the attacks have taken place in the late-evening and pre-dawn hours, investigators familiar with the case believe the perpetrator has both a job and a personal life that allows him the freedom to move about during those times without arousing suspicion from those in his everyday life. However, the attacks are somewhat sporadic, often with a period of several days or weeks between incidents.

“Each of these victims is someone”s mother, grandmother or neighbor, and we need the public”s help in identifying the suspect responsible for these crimes,” Leal said.

Leal reminded citizens to actively monitor their surroundings and their neighborhoods, and immediately report to law enforcement any unusual activity, such as prowlers in their neighborhoods in late-evening and early-morning hours. Additionally, people are asked to take special care in looking after their elderly neighbors, particularly elderly women who live alone in rural areas.

Police recommend that residents lock their doors and leave exterior lights on at night.

Anyone who may know someone who fits the general description and characteristics of this rapist is urged to contact local law enforcement, or the Texas Department of Public Safety Fusion Center at (866) 786-5972. Calls may remain anonymous, and a reward is being offered by certain local Crimestoppers organizations.

The Lockhart Post-Register will be following this story closely, and updated information about this suspect will be released as it becomes available.