Detective Lori Gunn is hunting for a serial rapist in Palm Beach County who has been linked to at least five victims. He was linked to all five victims through DNA he left behind, along with bruised bodies and damaged mental states. The most recent rape in Palm Beach occurred on September 23rd in Lake Worth. The detectives suspect that these victims did not know the rapist, but were both sexually and physically assaulted.
http://liarcatchers.com/electronic_surveillance.html
One victim who was 52-years old died two weeks after the rape. The rapist is using “blitz” techniques where he surprises the women late at night as they wait for the bus; he then drags them into the bushes, but remains near busy roads. He is said to take trophies from his assaults including rings and purses that may have been given away. Victims report that he is able to speak English, but has a Spanish accent. He is described as being 5’3” to 5’7” and has a larger build. He is not focused on a certain age group, as his victims have all had varying looks and ages. He does seem to leave them all with very brutal wounds. Victims have been beaten, broken and bitten. It is suspected that he is a traveler who may have been jailed for some previous defenses.
In South Florida, rapes have risen since 2010 through the months of January and June. Broward County increased 15% in attacks, Palm Beach County has risen 5%, and Miami-Dade County has increased 25%. However, statewide, the number of reported rapes has decreased. So what is causing the increase in these areas?
It is impossible to know, but detectives have their theories. Detectives suspect that individuals who used to keep quiet about sexual assault are now coming out to report the crime. It could also be due to the fact that reporting of sexual assaults is mandatory by schools and any profession that involves working with a child. Crimes may also be rising due to the internet. With all the online dating networks, risks for sexual assault have increased. Women need to find out as much information about the person they’re interested in as possible, and look for inconsistencies in their stories. Meeting with the person in a private setting with just the two of you is not the safest method available for meeting someone from the internet. You should go to a public coffee shop during daylight hours, and if it doesn’t feel like a date unless it is night time then you should make it a double or triple date and bring some friends along with you.
Another thing detectives are warning women about is prescriptive drugs. Most rapes are done by friends or acquaintances, and often times pills are involved. So women (especially in Palm Beach County) beware! Stay in groups, avoid going out alone or taking public transportation at night, since some of the attacks have occurred in the victims homes be aware of your surroundings at ALL times!
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