It's a terrifying time for women in Kensington. The so-called "Kensington Strangler" is linked to two deaths and three other frightening assaults in the neighborhood, according to investigators.
And on Thursday night Philadelphia Police released motion-sensor video from the most recent attack in hopes that they can finally arrest the alleged "Kensington Strangler."
The latest attack happened early Monday morning at E Sergeant Street and Kensington Avenue. The 33-year-old victim was choked, punched, sexually assaulted and hit over the head with a brick but luckily she got away, police said.
She gave a description her alleged attacker that was nearly identical -- except for facial hair -- to earlier sketches of the suspect.
During Monday's incident the suspect said his name was "Anthony."
He is described as a black male in his early 20s who is about 5-foot-7, 170-pounds, with a medium complexion. He was wearing a black hoodie and had a white iPod, police said.
Police call the man in the video a "person of interest" who could be connected to other attacks.
The Kensington task force has connected two November murders by DNA and they believe the same man is connected to another earlier attack.
- Early October: Woman is raped and choked until she passes out in an empty lot on East Cumberland.
- November 3: Nursing student Elaine Goldberg's half-naked body is found in an empty lot on Ruth Street. She'd been raped and strangled.
- November 13: Nicole Piacentini's half-naked body is found in the same vacant lot on E. Cumberland, within a mile of Goldberg's murder. DNA links her murder to Goldberg's.
The FBI has joined the search for the suspect. Agents will create a profile of the attacker in the five linked cases as well as provide forensic assistance to the investigation.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey urged every victim of violence to come forward, even if his or her attacker doesn't resemble the police sketch of the suspect.
Authorities are examining data as far back as 10 years for past sexual predators in a hope to nab the Kensington Strangler.
If you see this man you should call 9-1-1 immediately, police said. And if you have any information, you’re urged to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251, ext. 3265.
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