$10,000 reward offered in capture of Austin rapist

The family of a 16-year-old rape victim continues to urge potential witnesses to the attack to step up and talk to police.

Since her attack over two weeks ago, community and religious leaders on the West Side have been canvassing the area, pleading for the public’s help in capturing the offender in this case.

On Tuesday, a $10,000 reward was announced for information leading to the capture of the offender, now called the Austin rapist.

An anonymous Good Samaritan who heard about the horrendous attack put up the money, according to the South Austin Coalition Community Council.

“Human kindness is far more powerful than a evil heart. Our anonymous benefactor has heard about this horrific assault and has committed his money to bring the Austin Rapist to justice,” the Rev. Ira Acree, pastor of Greater St. John Baptist Church, said in a written statement.

Shortly before midnight on Sept. 16, the girl was forced by a man at knifepoint into an alley near Central and Chicago Avenues.

The man beat, raped and slashed the West Side teen’s throat. She provided the police with a description of her attacker.

The girl’s mother said there were allegedly several witnesses to the sexual assault, and is asking for them to set their fears aside and tell the police what they know about the man.

The man is described as an African American between ages 19 and 20; 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds. He has a dark complexion and short wavy hair. He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie. Anyone with information is urged to call Area 5 detectives at (312) 746-8282.

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