Central Texas Serial Killer At Large, Claim Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officials in Central Texas believe a serial killer is responsible for the deaths of two women in Austin and Bastrop County. Whatmakes this case particularly unusual is the six-year gap between thetwo incidents, and the fact that the killer has no prior criminal record.

The Murders:

• June 21, 2022: 34-year-old Alyssa Ann Rivera was found strangled and sexually assaulted inside an abandoned home in Austin. Surveillance footage places her with an unidentified man shortly before her death, who police believe is the perpetrator.
• April 14, 2018: 28-year-old Alba Jenisse Aviles was found dead inside her parked car in Bastrop County. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted, with the "modus operandi" bearing similarities to Rivera's case.

The Investigation:

DNA evidence links the two murders, with law enforcement stating that multiple sources of DNA were found at both scenes. The DNA does not match any records, which is rare for cases involving such violent crimes, according to Sgt. Nathan Sexton of the Austin Police.

It is relatively rare for someone committing really violent murders to not have been arrested or detained for a previous crime. - Sgt. Nathan Sexton, Austin Police

Seeking Information:

The Austin Police Department and Bastrop County Sheriff's Office are collaborating on the investigation, and encourage anyone with information to contact:

• Austin Police Department: 512-974-TIPS
• Anonymous tips: Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program - austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477.

Original Source:

• Austin American-Statesman
• Austin Police Department
• Bastrop County Sheriff's Office