Police Link Recent Kensington Rape, 2 Murders
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police may be tracking a serial killer and rapist in Kensington.
The three recent cases have not yet been definitively linked through evidence, but there are similarities suggesting they may have been committed by the same man.
Two women were murdered this month. Elaine Goldberg, 21, was found dead on November 3 in a vacant lot, and Nicole Piacentini, 35, was found dead in an abandoned property this past Saturday.
Lt. Norman Davenport, of the Philadelphia Police Department's homicide unit, says detectives investigating those crimes have now found a third victim.
"(She) relayed to police that she had been sexually assaulted sometime during the month of October," said Davenport at a Tuesday press conference. "During the course of this assault, she was taken to a lot where the second victim was located, assaulted, and strangled to the point of passing out. As she awoke, she realized she had been sexually assaulted."
This woman did not report the crime at the time, but now has helped police develop a sketch of the suspect. Sources say she was apparently involved in some sort of illegal activity. Authorities say the deaths all occurred in a corridor known historically for prostitution and drug activity.
The suspect is described as a black or Hispanic male in his late 20s to early 30s, 5' 8" to 6' tall, with a medium complexion and low cut hair.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts or identity of this male should contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or dial 911.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060; Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
