DNA ties man to 1 'Baseline Killer' crime

PHOENIX, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- An ex-con has been charged with raping two sisters last year in Phoenix, one of a string of crimes tied to the "Baseline Killer."

Mark Goudeau lives in the area where most of the "Baseline Killer" homicides, rapes and robberies occurred, the Arizona Republic reported. Investigators say his DNA matches samples taken from the sisters, who were attacked and sexually assaulted as they walked through a park at night.

Detectives have found forensic evidence that links 11 of the "Baseline Killer" crimes, including all eight homicides, police have said. Another 12 crimes, including the rapes Goudeau has been charged with, have a similar modus operandi.

"This suspect has been arrested for the sexual assault in one case only and is not connected to any other case in this series at this time," Phoenix Police Chief Jack Harris said. "Obviously, we have much work left to do."

Family members said Goudeau was targeted because of his past. They said that since he completed a long prison term he has been a hardworking and law-abiding man.