LAPD Releases Sketches Of 'Teardrop Rapist' Suspected In 28 Attacks
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Los Angeles Police Department Tuesday released a series of sketches of a serial rapist suspected in as many as 28 sexual assaults since 1996.
Officials say the suspect, dubbed the "teardrop rapist," has targeted girls and women between the ages of 14 and 41 over the past 16 years. Most of the assaults have occurred in the South Los Angeles area when women were walking alone on their way to school, work or a bus stop.
Detectives say DNA evidence, as well as the nature of the attacks, have linked them together.
The attacker, who is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old, approaches his victims with a knife or handgun between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. His most recent attack occured on November 10, 2011.
He has a possible teardrop tattoo or scar below one of his eyes, although he may have attempted to have it removed. He has been seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and green bandana with a black baseball cap or dark-colored beanie.
The suspect speaks fluent English and Spanish. He is described as 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet tall and 130-200 pounds, with brown eyes and hair, with a light complexion, poice said.
The LAPD's Southeast, Southwest, Rampart, Newton, 77th Street and Wilshire divisions are working together on the case.
Anyone with more information as to the name or whereabouts of the suspect was urged to call (877) LAPD-24-7; or email tips to rhd-sas@lapd.lacity.org.
