Solving the Series – The Case of the Creeper [Case Study]

Between 2013 and 2015, a 27-year-old suspect terrified residents in North San Diego County after he forced entry into several homes and sexually assaulted nine children between the ages of 4 and 15 while they slept. During the initial investigation(s), DNA was identified at two separate crime scenes in two separate cities. The suspect’s eventual arrest was the first in San Diego County history resulting from a familial DNA match. This case study will detail the exhaustive investigative efforts preceding and following the suspect’s arrest, including the development of a major case strategy while working in partnership with other investigative agencies, the post-arrest interview strategy, and the significant lessons learned throughout the 18-month-long investigation. Following his conviction, the suspect agreed to meet with the detective and provide details about his motives, methods, and the evasive actions he had taken to avoid capture.