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LAPD Wants to ID Man Behind 28 Sexual Assaults Since 1996
Three sketches of the suspect (LAPD)
Authorities are calling him the "Teardrop" suspect, and have linked him to 28 sexual assaults logged since February 1996. Now the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) Sexual Assault Section is asking for the public’s help to make the ID, and have released sketches of the perp.
The most recent attack by the so-called "Teardrop" suspect was on November 10, 2011, says the LAPD. That morning at around 5:30, a 15-year-old Hispanic girl was on foot near Adams Boulevard and Normandie Avenue when she was approached by a man asking for directions. He showed her a handgun, and then forced her to walk with him to a nearby yard where he sexually assaulted her.
DNA evidence from the attack linked the suspect to a series of sexual assault cases that had previously been investigated by RHD. Including the Novemeber incident, the LAPD have used the DNA evidence and the perp's mode of operation to attribute 28 sexual assaults to the same suspect.
Victims range in age from 14 to 41, and the attacks all took place between 5 and 8 a.m. Typically the "Teardrop" suspect would approach the woman and get them talking before forcing them with a gun or knife to move to secluded area.
Six additional sketches of the suspect (LAPD)
Here is the LAPD's suspect description:
The suspect is a male Hispanic, and since 1996 has been described as 27 to 40 years old, with brown eyes and brown hair. He stands between 5 feet 2 inches and 6 feet tall and weighs between 130 and 200 pounds. He has been described as having a light complexion, a possible teardrop tattoo(s) or scar(s) below one of his eyes and a mustache. He may also have attempted to remove his teardrop tattoo. The suspect has been seen wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt and green bandana. To cover his head, he has worn a black baseball cap or dark-colored beanie.
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Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the LAPD immediately.
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