The Teardrop Attacker Series NR12187RH

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) Sexual Assault Section is asking for the public’s help to identity a suspect linked to 28 sexual assaults since February 1996.

On November 10, 2011, around 5:30 a.m., a 15-year-old female Hispanic walking in the area of Adams
Boulevard and Normandie Avenue was approached by a male who asked her for directions.  He then produced a handgun and forced her to walk a short distance to a yard where he sexually assaulted her.  Within weeks of the attack, it was linked by DNA evidence to a series of sexual assault cases that had previously been investigated by RHD.

Detectives identified 28 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.

Incidents within the City of Los Angeles occurred in the following LAPD divisions:  Southwest, 77th Street, Southeast, Rampart, 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, 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 also 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 a green bandana.  To cover his head, he has worn a black baseball cap or dark- colored beanie.

Anyone who may have information is asked to call 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.