Teardrop rapist | |
|---|---|
 Most recently released composite of the suspect | |
| Years active | 1996–2012 |
Reward amount | $100,000 |
Wanted by | FBI, LAPD |
| Wanted since | LAPD: 1998, FBI: 2013 |
| Details | |
| Victims | 35 sexual assaults |
| State | California |
Date apprehended | Never |
The "teardrop rapist" is a moniker for an unidentified rapist responsible for 35 sexual assaults on women, including minors, in the South Figueroa Corridor of Los Angeles, California, United States. The assaults began in 1996 and continued through 2012. He is believed to be a Hispanic male with a light complexion, and received his nickname from at least one teardrop tattoo under his eye.
The perpetrator was thought to have stopped his assaults in 2005, but in November 2011, a 15-year-old girl was attacked, and DNA evidence was linked to the same rapist, however, the victim did not see the tattoo that many of the previous victims had, perhaps due to tattoo removal. After an attempted assault on June 15, 2012, police announced plans to canvas the Hispanic neighborhoods of Los Angeles and offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
On July 27, 2013, LAPD announced their collaboration with the FBI, and increased the reward to $100,000, with $25,000 coming from the FBI. Also released was a new set of composite sketches.
