2002 rape in Częstochowa solved through DNA – 52-year-old arrested after 24 years
Andrzej Z. was detained in Szczecin 24 years after an assault on a woman in Częstochowa. DNA testing confirmed his genetic profile.
Cold case from 24 years ago: DNA points to rape and robbery perpetrator
According to RMF24, the crime occurred in the evening of 12 June 2002 in Częstochowa. A 43-year-old woman at the time was returning home by bus from work. When she was walking between apartment blocks, an unknown man pulled her into the bushes, hit her on the head, forced her into sexual intercourse, and stole money from her bag. Police officers secured biological traces at the scene, but despite the actions undertaken at the time were unable to identify the perpetrator. The case was discontinued due to the failure to apprehend the offender.
Officers from the Częstochowa criminal division reopened the case in cooperation with police officers from the so-called "X-Files" archive of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Katowice. Detailed analysis of the files and further operational activities led to identification of a 52-year-old man.
Andrzej Z. was detained on 25 August in a flat in Szczecin. Genetic material was collected from the detainee, and expert opinion showed that his DNA profile matched the profile established on the basis of traces left by the perpetrator in 2002.
The District Prosecutor's Office Częstochowa-South charged Andrzej Z. with rape, robbery, and causing minor bodily injuries. The prosecutor's office noted that the act was to have been committed in circumstances of recidivism.
The suspect did not admit guilt and refused to provide an explanation. At the prosecutor's request, a court in Częstochowa imposed a three-month remand in custody on him. The charged crimes carry a sentence of up to 12 years imprisonment.
Source: RMF24