15-year-old serial rape suspect may also be linked to Dallas murder, police say

DALLAS - A 15-year-old boy is a suspect in a series of sexual assaults in Dallas and Louisiana. And he may turn out to be a murder suspect.

The teenage boy is currently in custody at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center in Dallas. He’s been charged with aggravated sexual assault in connection with three attacks that happened in the city.

Two of the assaults took place in September at apartments in North Dallas. The third was in October at a Northeast Dallas apartment complex.

This past Tuesday, police said a woman was killed in her apartment in North Dallas. Investigators are now examining that case and evidence from the scene to determine if the young suspect was involved.

There is also a murder police believe the boy committed two days before his arrest. Police discovered a young woman dead on November 27 inside her North Dallas apartment in the 5400 block of Peterson lane. Investigators say the suspect used the same MO as in the sex assaults. They say the young woman was texting with a friend when the suspect approached her.

"An unknown individual approached her door and asked if he could use the phone. That unknown male we believe was allowed in the apartment. He was able to get in we believe without forcing his way in,” said Dallas Police Deputy Chief Thomas Castro. “The acquaintance soon lost contact with the victim, which prompted him to call 911. Officers arrived, and they found the victim deceased inside the apartment."

Authorities are asking the public for tips. Anyone with information about the murder should call Det. Todd Haecker at 214-671-3610 or email todd.haecker@dpd.ci.dallas.tx.us. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477.

Police said the teen has already been linked to the sexual assaults by physical evidence, as well as DNA.  They said the evidence indicates he may have also committed two sexual assaults in Bossier City, La. near Shreveport.

Dallas officers carried out a search warrant Thursday night to arrest him. His name was not released because he is a juvenile.

Police say they are working to certify the 15-year-old as an adult in each of the charges.