Finally, the community of Chandler, Arizona can rest a little easier knowing that a violent sexual predator allegedly responsible for the sexual assaults of 5 girls between 12 and 14 years old has been arrested. He is believed to be the elusive "Chandler Serial Rapist".
A press conference that took place about 2 1/2 hours ago with the Chandler Police Department confirmed that they arrested 39 year old Santana Batiz Aceves in the attacks. Aceves, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, had similar clothing in his vehicle that matched descriptions by victims. Also, DNA swabs matched evidence taken from the attacks. Aceves was living under the alias "Ricardo Ramirez Lopez".
Aceves, an illegal immigrant, was working as a heavy equipment operator, and living in the same area as an attempted attack on November 8, 2007. He has a wife, a son, and a daughter. I'm unaware at this time of their legal status. Surely, Aceves' legal status adds more fuel to the fire regarding the hot-button issue of immigration.
No matter what Aceves' legal status is, this case is about one thing only: The victims. The young girls who have been violated in their own homes. The focus should be on what this creep allegedly did, and on justice for the victims. While I can certainly agree that his legal status is an important element in the case, it usually ends up overshadowing the issue of the major aspect of the crime, and the victims.
I can only imagine the relief of this community that this creep has finally been caught and is off the streets. Tonight, they will rest a little bit easier.
