Police Seeking Suspect in Rapes of 7 Elderly Women

San Diego police are asking the public for assistance in capturing a man who has raped and robbed at least seven elderly women in the San Diego State University area during the past nine months.

The victims--60 to 89 years old--all lived alone, police said.

The rapes have usually occurred during the night on weekends. The victims lived in either apartments or single-family homes, police spokesman Bill Robinson said.

Entry Not Always the Same

Although entry was usually gained through unlocked doors, the assailant also used other methods. “In one case he rang the victim’s doorbell and the victim opened the door; in another, he gained entry by breaking a window,� Robinson said.

At a Monday press conference, Lt. Claude D. Gray said the first five rapes occurred last Aug. 16, Sept. 25 and Oct. 1, 9 and 10. All occurred south of El Cajon Boulevard, and one was west of 30th Street.

There was a six-month lull before a similar rape was reported, although it is possible that other rapes of elderly women were committed and not reported, Gray said.

The last two cases were April 16 and Sunday, Robinson said. Both victims were 82 years old. The Sunday incident occurred at 12:10 a.m. in the Kensington area.

“We thought that the series might have ended, but there were enough similarities to make us believe that the series is still active,� Robinson said.

At first, police believed the rapes were isolated incidents, but after finding more evidence, which police would not comment on, investigators now believe the crimes have been committed by the assailant, Robinson said.

Gray said two of the victims were robbed of cash and jewelry.

Although none of the victims reported seeing a weapon and none has been seriously beaten, the rapist has been hostile, he added.

“In some of the cases, he has exhibited aggressive and brutal behavior,� Gray said. “He ripped jewelry off the woman’s finger, causing injury.�

The assailant is described as black, muscular, between 25 and 40 years old, and 5-foot-9 to 6 feet tall.

“We are encouraging all residents to lock all doors and windows, identify the person at the door before you open it and call police regarding any suspicious activity,� Robinson said.

People with any information should call the 24-hour police hot line at 235-TIPS, Robinson said. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the rapist, Robinson said.