MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has arrested a suspect for the 2008 sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, who didn't live long enough to witness this breakthrough in the case.
Alexander Rzeczycki, 33, was taken into custody last week after MCSO allegedly matched his DNA to forensic evidence recovered from the 15-year-old crime.
The sexual assault allegedly occurred at a party in the summer of 2008. The victim said two males lured her into a bedroom and assaulted her before a 17-year-old boy intervened and stopped the assault.
MCSO said investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses before the case became inactive in 2009 after the victim chose not to participate in the investigation.
The victim died in May 2015.
In 2017, the agency received additional funds through the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative to test evidence from the 2008 case. The national initiative allocated money for agencies to process evidence from untested rape kits.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office was awarded a $1.2 million grant in 2016 for testing sexual assault kits.
The testing done in 2017 identified the DNA profile of a male, which was entered into a law enforcement database.
About a year later, Rzeczycki was allegedly matched to that DNA profile.
A Maricopa County grand jury issued an indictment against the suspect in April 2023.
MCSO is still trying to identify the other suspect and asks anyone with information to call 602-876-TIPS (8477).
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube playlist here.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
We are committed to serving all of the Valley's communities, because we live here, too.
12News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.