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Serial killer, rapist targeting sex workers in Detroit, police say

Posted at 12:45 PM, Jun 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-05 12:45:22-04

DETROIT — Detroit Police Chief James Craig said they are looking for a serial killer and rapist that is operating on the city's east side.

According to police, the chief said they have been in the middle of the investigation which started several months ago, beginning with an incident March 19 where the female victim was totally disrobed.

Chief Craig said that on May 24, on the east side of Detroit, there was another death that was believed to be connected to the March 19 incident. A woman's body was discovered on the city's east side. And another woman's decomposed naked body was found Wednesday morning inside a vacant home.

The chief said it wasn't until the murder Wednesday morning that they believe they have the "makings of a serial killer and rapist that's operating on the east side of Detroit."

Craig said one victim was 52 years old and the other was 53 years old. He believes the suspect is targeting women in their early 50s and luring them to vacant dwellings.

There is no suspect or suspect vehicle description at this time. All three victims are believed to be sex workers, the chief said.

The chief also clarified that several weeks ago, there were rumors circulating through social media that there was a serial killer dumping bodies in dumpsters. He said that was incorrect and there was no connection whatsoever.

Police are asking sex workers to come forward with any information.

"We're not here to arrest you, we're going to make sure you're safe," he said.