$50K Reward Offered for Info on 'Teardrop Rapist'
The City Council offered a $50,000 reward on Wednesday for information about the “Teardrop Rapist” who is suspected of committing 28 sexual assaults since 1996.
“For 13 years, a rapist has preyed on young women in the city of Los Angeles, committing serious sexual assaults,” said Councilwoman Jan Perry.
“I hope the publicity generated by this reward motion will cause someone to come forward and assist the LAPD in bringing this case to a proper conclusion.”
The suspect earned his name from descriptions of one or two teardrops tattooed on the corner of one of his eyes. Police said the suspect’s DNA has been linked to 11 attacks.
The most recent attack occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 10, when he asked a 15-year-old girl walking near Adams Boulevard and Normandie Avenue for directions, according to LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese.
In addition to the DNA evidence, detectives believe the same man is responsible for other crimes because of his “distinct mode of operation.”
He usually commits the acts between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., using a gun to force the victims to another location where he sexually assaults them.
All of the victims were Latino with the exception of two African-American women. The victims ranged in age from 14-41, police said.
The rapist is believed to be 40-55 years old. He speaks English and Spanish fluently. He is described as 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet tall and 130-200 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He has a light complexion and some descriptions include scarring near one eye, indicating that a tattoo may have been removed.
Anyone with more information about the subject is urged to call (877) LAPD-24-7, or email tips to .
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