Suspect in Lubbock Rape Now Possibly Linked to 12 Other Similar Crimes
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: January 21, 2010
A man suspected of raping twelve elderly women in Texas is a potential suspect in the sexual assault and burglary of an 87-year-old Lubbock woman. Lubbock police are now waiting for DNA evidence that may help track down what's become known as the 'Twilight Rapist.'
On Tuesday -- images were released of a man trying to use a stolen ATM card. Police hoped the pictures would help find the suspect, now wanted breaking into an 87 year old woman's home early Saturday morning. He then raped her, before stealing her purse and running away.
Sgt. Mark Wims, LPD: "We don't have the suspect in custody. It concerns us because those often turn into more than one offense that they'll commit before they get caught."
It appears the suspect Lubbock police are now looking for, may be the same one linked to similar crimes across the state. Known as the 'twilight rapist', he's wanted for twelve other crimes, all involving early morning break-ins, elderly victims, and phone lines being cut. All things Lubbock police are investigating as part of Saturday mornings crime.
That suspect now high priority in the state. Governor Rick Perry asking Thursday for a team of Texas Rangers, DPS officials, and several police departments to come together with the focus of capturing their suspect.
Sgt. Wims: "You'd like to think that you're safe in your house, but she had the doors and windows locked. This was a determined effort to get inside."
Several of the 12 attacks were linked by DNA. Lubbock police now waiting on that evidence in order to determine if it's the same alleged 'twilight rapist' that targeted Lubbock this past weekend.
The suspect state law enforcement is looking for is described as a black man, thin, young and between 5 1/2 and 6 feet tall.
If you know anything about this crime, call the crimeline, 741-1000.
