WASHINGTON – New DNA has linked one man to six to nine rapes that took place over several years in the D.C. area, officials announced Tuesday. Now, authorities are working to identify the man.
Between August 22, 1998, and February 6, 2006, officials said a man attacked and raped women at local hotels, targeting the employees and threatening them with weapons.
“This individual preyed on members of the D.C. region for nearly a decade,” Police Chief Peter Newsham said. “We have not deviated from our goal of holding this person accountable for his heinous actions and feel confident that our recent progress will lead to his identification.”
The DNA and an age-progressed composite sketch helped officials identify a "John Doe" in six of the attacks.
“DNA evidence has enabled us to push this case forward and we are hopeful that this DNA profile, and the community, can help us finally achieve justice. Despite the passage of time, we have never forgotten these victims," said Jessie Liu, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Officials are asking for the public's help solving this cold case. They are offering a $45,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest of the suspect.
“If you recognize this person, if this box cutter or ring are familiar, if you have seen these items before, we need you to call law enforcement and provide the information," said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno.
The suspect is being described as an African-American male, between 5’7”-5’10” tall, with a medium to stocky build, brown eyes, black hair and a medium to dark complexion. Authorities said at the time of the assaults, the man was believed to be in his 20s to 30s. Since time has progressed, he is believed to be in his late 30s to late 40s.
"Our effort, the reason we are here today, is about bringing closure to the victims," said Chief Newsham. "We stand here today on behalf of them with the hope that a recollection, a memory jogged, and a subsequent text or phone call with that information will result in the closure that these victims deserve."
For more information, check out the FBI's full report.
If you have any information, please contact Washington Metropolitan Police Department by calling 202-727-9099.
