DNA results links Marquez assaults with similar attack in Lavaca County

Victor Smith is an eleven-year veteran with the Leon County Sheriff’s Department and has been chief investigator for four years. Sherry’s Shots Leon County Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Victor Smith said DNA left at the scene of the assault of a 77-year-old Marquez woman, on July 21, matches DNA gathered at the attack of a 90-year-old woman in Yoakum, in Lavaca County.

Additionally, deputies believe the same man committed two unsolved sexual assaults in Bell County. Although the Sheriff’s Department has not received the DNA data on the Bell County attacks, there is evidence which strongly suggests the same man is behind the attacks. The Bell County attacks occurred in the area of Zabcikville. Phone lines have been disabled in most of the attacks, which also disables the alarm system.

Investigators are saying that the man could possibly be responsible for eight sexual assaults statewide and there is a likelihood of other victims. All eight victims have been over 60 and live alone.

Smith explained that DNA evidence was put into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) data base. Several days after a second Marquez woman was attacked, on September 5, the Department received information which linked the first assault to the one in Yoakum. Although the second Marquez woman was not sexually assaulted, DNA was left at the scene and the Department is awaiting results on that case.

A 55-year-old Normangee woman was assaulted on July 19, but authorities do not believe this to be the same offender.

Women all over the area are frightened and are not sure what to do. Smith said it is very important that neighbors watch out for neighbors. He also advised that a security check should be made of every residence. Be sure windows and doors are locked. Smith and other investigators believe that in at least one of the cases, the perpetrator came into the house before the assault and unlocked a window.

Be sure security and outside lights are working. Take notice of any outside security devices. Smith showed a picture of a woman’s window where a set of burglar bars had been removed.

Don’t tell anyone whom you do not know that you are alone. One woman in Bell County received a phone call from someone who asked “Are you alone?” The woman answered “Yes.” Then realizing what she had done, called one of her family members and went to stay with them.

Report anything which seems out of the ordinary: A car in the wrong place; a stranger where he should not be; evidence of someone breaking in, even if nothing is taken.

Smith also suggested planting thorny shrubs under windows where someone might climb in, concluding, “Make it as difficult as possible for someone to come into your house.”