Information Sought Regarding the Teardrop Rapist NR12301rf

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) Sexual Assault Section is asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect linked to 35 sexual assaults since February 1996.

On June 15, 2012, around 5:30 a.m., a 29-year-old female Hispanic was walking in the area of 25th Street and Naomi Avenue.  She was approached by a man who attempted to converse with her and then produced a handgun and forced her to walk into an alley where he attempted to sexually assault her.  Fortunately, a vehicle came into the alley and the suspect fled on foot.

Detectives have identified 35 similar incidents of sexual assault that occurred between February 1996 and the most recent attack.  The assaults have been linked through DNA evidence and/or the suspect’s distinct mode of operation.

The incidents have occurred within the following LAPD divisions:  Southwest, 77th Street, Southeast, Rampart/Olympic, Newton, and Wilshire Areas.  Three incidents also occurred within the Los Angeles County Firestone-Florence District.

All of the crimes occurred in the early morning hours between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m.  The suspect typically walked up to each victim and engaged them in conversation before producing a knife or firearm.  He would then walk them to a secluded area and sexually assault them.  The victims ranged from 14 to 41 years of age.

The suspect is a male Hispanic, 40 to 55 years old, with brown eyes and brown hair.  He stands between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 6 inches and weighs between 130 and 170 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 gray or dark hooded sweatshirt.  He has also worn a bandana, black baseball cap or dark-colored beanie.

The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward for up to $50,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the series of sexual assaults.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to email tips to rhd-sas@lapd.lacity.org  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.