Rangers assist in elderly sexual assault investigation

"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 ranging in age from 65 to 91 who live alone. The rapist has been described as a thin, young, dark-skinned man between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall.”
Investigators believe the offender has a sexual preference for elderly females, and therefore may not be in a romantic relationship with a woman his own age. The suspect has demonstrated his familiarity with each of these communities and apparently has the freedom, either in personal life or at work, to move about during the late evening and pre-dawn early morning hours.
In some cases, there was a reported burglary of the victim’s residence prior to the sexual assault. It is believed the rapist prowls the victims’ neighborhoods before striking in the early morning hours. In many cases, he has disabled the victim’s telephone.
"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," said Ranger Chief Leal. Citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and notify local authorities if they notice suspicious activity, such as prowling at night. Police recommend that residents lock their doors and windows and leave their outside lights on at night.