DNA not a match to “Twilight Rapist”

Department of Public Safety spokesperson Tom Vinger said DNA has ruled out a Lubbock area man’s involvement in the “Twilight rapist” case. The DNA results were expedited because the case is a high priority across the state.

Joshua Paul Stephenson, 22 years old of Idalou, was picked up Monday on credit card abuse charges. Police said the credit card belonged to an 87-year-old woman who was raped and robbed the night the card was stolen. The woman’s phone lines had been cut before the attack.

Because of the similarities in the attack, investiga- tors thought it could have been the so-called “Twilight Rapist”, however DNA results proved otherwise.

This investigation has been going on for over a year when the first known attack occurred in Lavaca County. The rapist made his way to this part of the state in July, with assaults verified in Leon, Bell and Falls Counties until October, when a Centerville woman escaped his attack. Then on November 9, the first known victim, who had moved to another residence, was attacked again. DNA verified the assailant was the same as before.

Governor Rick Perry called for a task force dedicated to the investigation and those agencies involved met on January 27.

Vinger said the DPS is leading the investigation and there is now a much higher level of coordination. Seventeen state troopers have been assigned to primarily focus on the case.

Leon County Sheriff’s Department chief investigator Victor Smith said he attended the task force meeting, along with others who have been involved in the investigation. He said “The difference is the dedication of state employees to assist those already in the loop. The people have been assigned to work exclusively on the investigation.”