Detectives from the Phoenix Police Department have connected a man arrested for a recent sexual assault to a homicide that occurred in the same area in 2024. The link was made after a community member responded to a Silent Witness flyer related to the sexual assault case. Collaboration among investigative units, forensic scientists, and crime analysts led to the confirmation that the suspect was involved in both crimes.
The homicide took place on June 13, 2024, when officers found a woman with a head injury in an alley near 46th Street and Oak Street. The 64-year-old victim died from her injuries after nearly a week in the hospital. Forensic scientists processed biological evidence from the scene, creating a male DNA profile that was entered into CODIS without finding an immediate match.
In August 2025, another violent sexual assault occurred close to where the previous victim had been found. Evidence collected resulted in a male DNA profile that matched one already entered into CODIS, connecting both cases to the same suspect.
Investigators received a tip from the community that identified the suspect as Luis Tapia, age 24. “Safety in our community is not just a police responsibility,” said Family Investigations Bureau Commander Steve Martos. “You never know what information could help solve a case.”
Violent Crimes Bureau Commander Gabe Lopez added, “When you have a DNA profile but you don’t know who it belongs to, you really don’t know where to start. Getting that tip was instrumental in leading us to the suspect.”
Tapia was arrested on September 20, 2025, and booked on charges of sexual assault and kidnapping. Additional charges related to the homicide are expected. A search warrant allowed investigators to obtain Tapia’s DNA, which forensic scientists confirmed matched evidence from both incidents.
“It’s a feeling of relief,” Lopez said. “This person was preying on vulnerable members of our community and there’s a high probability that he would’ve hurt somebody else if we didn’t find him.”
Martos noted, “To be able to notify family members and loved ones of these victims that we’ve identified somebody, it’s not just a relief to them. It’s a relief to us that we can bring closure and safety to this particular community.”
The police emphasized how important community tips were for solving these cases and recognized the efforts of officers and forensic staff involved. The investigations are ongoing as detectives continue processing evidence related to both crimes.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
