MESA, Ariz. — An accused serial Arizona rapist who has been wanted for decades was arrested today, and Mesa police say he is a former Border Patrol agent.
An accused serial Arizona rapist on the loose for decades was arrested on Tuesday, and Mesa police say he is a former Border Patrol agent.
John Daly III, 57, was identified as the East Valley rapist who terrorized women across the state from summer 1999 to late 2001, according to Mesa police.
The alleged crimes happened in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Bisbee. Investigators say eight rapes had similar factors and three cases were definitively connected by DNA evidence. But police say the case went cold in the following years.
Police say new DNA technology called SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative), led officers to Daly. Investigators say he had a home in all of the cities as each crime happened.
DNA evidence gathered last month connected Daly to crimes in Mesa and Gilbert, and he was arrested in Sierra Vista with help from multiple agencies including the FBI and Border Patrol
Daly was booked for charges related to three of the eight cases, and authorities say more charges could follow.
If you or someone you know may have additional information regarding John Daly III, please call the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211.
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