Authorities in Austin, Texas, are currently investigating a potential connection between two separate murders that occurred six years apart. The first incident took place six years ago when a 28-year-old woman was found dead in a silver sedan, having been sexually assaulted and strangled. The second murder occurred more recently when a 34-year-old woman was discovered in an abandoned home, also having been sexually assaulted and strangled.
Police now believe that the same individual may be responsible for both killings, as DNA evidence has linked the two cases. The most recent victim, Alyssa Ann Rivera, was found dead in an abandoned house, with surveillance footage showing a person of interest walking with her shortly before her murder.
Despite initial beliefs that the incidents were isolated, investigators found a DNA link between Rivera's case and the unsolved murder from six years ago. The DNA evidence has not matched any records in the national database, making it challenging for authorities to identify a suspect.
Another unsolved murder case from April 2018, involving the body of Alba Jenisse Aviles found just over three miles from where Rivera was killed, has also been connected through DNA evidence to the same suspect. Police emphasized that there is no known link between the victims, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Austin police Sgt. Nathan Sexton noted the rarity of a perpetrator committing such violent crimes without a prior criminal record. As homicide detectives continue to search for leads, the investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
