Renton police are renewing appeals for public assistance in identifying a suspect connected to the rape of a 12-year-old girl in December 2023.
Detectives have released a composite sketch of the individual, originally created in 2009 when he was involved in a Seattle home invasion robbery with sexual motivation. DNA from the 2023 Renton case matched previously unidentified DNA collected from the 2009 incident, establishing a definitive link between the crimes.
The suspect is described as Hispanic, standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a medium build, dark hair, and facial hair or stubble. At the time of the Seattle incident, he was believed to be approximately 30 years old and had a distinctive scar on the side of his mouth.
The individual is bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English. Both victims in the linked cases were Hispanic, suggesting the suspect may target victims within Hispanic communities or use language ability to gain trust or access.
Detectives caution that the suspect’s appearance may have changed substantially over the years. He would be approximately 45 years old today, roughly 15 years older than when the original composite sketch was created. Changes in hairstyle, facial hair, or the presence of wrinkles or glasses are possible and should not prevent recognition.
Authorities express concern that additional victims may exist who have not yet come forward. Given the 14-year gap between the documented incidents and the escalation from home invasion with sexual motivation to child rape, investigators believe it is unlikely the suspect has ceased offending during the intervening years.
The DNA match represents a significant breakthrough in both investigations. The 2009 Seattle case remained unsolved for years with DNA evidence collected but no suspect identified. The 2023 Renton assault generated fresh DNA evidence that, when processed through databases, revealed the connection to the earlier crime.
The 2009 Seattle home invasion involved forced entry into a residence, robbery, and sexually motivated assault. The circumstances suggest planning and willingness to use force to accomplish criminal objectives. The composite sketch created at that time captured the suspect’s appearance based on victim descriptions.
The 2023 Renton case involving a 12-year-old victim represents a serious escalation in victim vulnerability and offense severity. Child victims face particular trauma from sexual assault, and the age of this victim heightens concerns about the suspect’s danger to the community.
The bilingual capability may explain how the suspect gains access to victims or establishes initial contact. Language barriers can create isolation for some Hispanic community members, and someone who speaks Spanish fluently may seem more trustworthy or be better positioned to identify vulnerable targets.
The distinctive mouth scar mentioned in the original description could remain visible despite aging. Scars typically persist throughout life, making this identifying feature particularly valuable even though other aspects of appearance change with time.
The 15-year time span between documented offenses raises troubling questions about possible unreported crimes. Sexual assault remains significantly underreported, with many victims choosing not to engage with law enforcement due to trauma, fear, cultural factors, or immigration status concerns.
Detectives’ belief that the suspect has not ceased offending stems from research showing that individuals who commit sexual offenses, particularly against children, often have multiple victims. The pattern of escalation from adult victims to a child victim suggests increasing risk and lack of behavioral control.
The public appeal for information represents critical investigative strategy when traditional methods have not identified the suspect despite DNA evidence. Someone in the community may recognize the composite sketch, notice behavioral changes in an acquaintance, or possess information about past incidents not reported to police.
Hispanic community members who may have information are particularly encouraged to come forward. Cultural factors sometimes create hesitancy about engaging with law enforcement, but detectives emphasize that protecting children and preventing future victimization transcends other concerns.
Anyone who recognizes the man depicted in the composite sketch or has information that could aid the investigation is urged to contact Detective Billingsley at lbillingsley@rentonwa.gov. Tips can be provided confidentially, and investigators will work sensitively with anyone who comes forward with relevant information.
The case demonstrates the value of DNA databases in connecting crimes across jurisdictions and time periods. Without the match, the two incidents might never have been linked, and investigators would lack crucial information about the suspect’s pattern of offending.
