Rapist targets USF area, police say

Six attacks have been linked by DNA tests, and a seventh is pending.

By AMBER MOBLEY, Times Staff Writer
Published September 2, 2007

TAMPA - Kendra Reese has heard about the serial rapist stalking neighborhoods near the University of South Florida, but she knows few women who are particularly concerned.

She thinks there would be more awareness if this were South Tampa, or if the victims were white. But it's taken for granted that rapes happen in this low-income area.

"People act like it's so normal," said the 21-year-old University of South Florida sophomore, who lives in the community.

What many residents here don't know is that law enforcement officials have linked six rapes over the past four years with DNA evidence. And they are awaiting test results that could connect a seventh assault that happened Aug. 19.

"We believe it is the same person," said Debbie Carter, a spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Four of the seven victims are black women between the ages of 24 and 37, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Tampa Police Department, which is handling the other three rapes, would not specify the race of the victims but said one is younger than 18 while the other two are adults.

The attacks occurred in an area bordered by E Bearss Avenue in the north, E 93rd Avenue in the south, N Nebraska Avenue in the west and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in the east.

Seeking to both alert and reassure students and faculty members, USF sent out a mass e-mail on Thursday about the assaults and the ongoing investigations. "There have NOT been any incidents that have occurred on USF campus," said the notice, which included a link to a Sheriff's Office news release.

The two police agencies say they are collaborating, stepping up patrols and working with the community to find the rapist.

"If this guy is going to target this area, then we are going to target that area and we're going to be watching for him," said Tampa police Cpl. Jared Douds.

Neither agency plans to release a composite sketch because victims haven't gotten a good look at him.

In each attack, he creeps through open windows between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. "He wakes them out of a sound sleep, and it's usually dark," Carter said.

The man is described as a black man between the ages of 20 and 30, approximately 5 feet 6 and weighing 150 to 200 pounds. His head may be shaved or covered by an unknown covering, possibly a beanie.

The man's body odor and a mark on his left arm are his most distinct characteristics.

He has a mark - maybe a birth mark, scar or skin disorder - near his left wrist. The mark is more lightly pigmented than the rest of his skin and is described as a half-inch wide and 2 to 3 inches long.

Victims describe the man as having "a very strong odor," Carter said. "One described it as 'musty.'"

The man's bad smell, Carter said, may be a medical condition, bad hygiene or "because he's walking or riding a bike." Authorities believe he is traveling the area on foot or bicycle.

The transient nature of people in the low-income area where he attacks has earned it the moniker of "Suitcase City."

Shady characters are a common sight, said Royal Palm Key apartments resident Marie Chatelier, 49, who wasn't aware of the local rapes.

Regardless, Chatelier said, when she gets off from her housekeeping job, "I go straight into my apartment."

Authorities are urging women to keep their windows and doors secured and to stay vigilant.

"Awareness is key," Douds said. "Paying attention to who's in the neighborhood will help people pick up on suspicious activity that will help us put key pieces of the puzzle together."

Amber Mobley can be reached at amobley@sptimes.com or 813 269-5311.

Fast facts

The time line

Rapes by date and the agency handling the case

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

Aug. 22, 2003

July 1, 2004

June 14, 2007

Aug. 19, 2007*

Tampa Police Department

Aug. 16, 2003

Sept. 28, 2003

July 15, 2004

*The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has not yet linked this most recent rape to the serial rapist via DNA. But because the attack was similar to the others, they believe it is the same man.

Source: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department

[Last modified September 1, 2007, 23:35:26]