Search Is On For Rape Suspect After DNA Match Made

POSTED: 5:40 pm EST March 14, 2006

AKRON, Ohio -- A break in a 2003 rape case has authorities in Summit County looking for a suspect.

Police said DNA has linked 26-year-old Deancy Campbell to the crime. Police said that on Dec. 23, 2003, Campbell punched a woman several times in the face and raped her near East Tallmadge Avenue in Akron.

Police were able to collect enough evidence at the scene of the crime, and Campbell's DNA and name popped up with the state crime lab, NewsChannel5 reported.

"It's amazing how DNA now is really making a difference in our investigations," said Capt. Daniel Zampelli, of the Akron police. "We've changed the way how we're in tune with the evidence. We need to submit DNA evidence, and our officers and detectives are now looking for that evidence."

The Summit County Violent Crime Task Force has an award available for information leading to Campbell's whereabouts.

Anyone with information is asked to call Akron police.