Austin Police Identify DNA Link in Homicide Investigations

Austin – In a recent development, the police department of Austin announced to have identified a DNA link connecting two separate homicide investigations. This breakthrough could be crucial in solving these cold cases and bringing justice to the victims.

Breakthrough in Investigations

An update was provided by the Austin Police Department concerning the homicide investigation of victim Alyssa Ann Rivera. The tragic incident had occurred on June 22. The Police department had previously released a surveillance video showing a person of interest walking with Rivera shortly before her demise. The person of interest now appears to be a short Hispanic male.

DNA Link to an Old Case

On August 7, the police department found a DNA link between the suspect in this case and a case from the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office dating back to 2018. The linked case was the unresolved murder of 28-year-old Alba Jenisse Aviles that happened on April 14, 2018. Aviles had last been seen at Caribe Night Club on Felter Lane in Austin on the night of her murder. The location was just over three miles away from where Rivera’s body was subsequently discovered in 2024, according to police.

Similarities in Crime Scenes

The police department noted the striking resemblance between both scenes and have proposed a theory that both victims may have been sexually assaulted. In collaboration with the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Department, they found multiple sources of DNA at both crime scenes. Unexpectedly, the DNA evidence correlated both cases to the same suspect. Yet, the suspect’s identity remains unknown as it does not appear in the national database.

Calling for Public Assistance

The Austin Police Department is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the man in the surveillance video. They ask anyone who knew Rivera or has information relating to her or the man she was seen with in the video to come forward. Such considerations can be reported to the APD Homicide Hotline.

Importance of DNA in Criminal Investigation

DNA profiling, since its introduction in the mid-1980s, has revolutionized criminal investigations. By comparing genetic material left at a crime scene with a suspect’s DNA profile, law enforcement can establish with near certainty whether the person was present at the crime.

Continuing Investigation

The Austin Police Department along with the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate these cases diligently. No arrests have been made at this time, and the department encourages anyone with information about these cases to contact them.