This week, Phoenix police disclosed an arrest in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old girl that occurred two decades ago.
In a brief video statement, the police announced that Elena Lasswell was “brutally” murdered inside her residence 20 years ago on Wednesday.
Sergio Reyes, 37, was apprehended on Wednesday on suspicion of first-degree homicide. According to the police, he was extradited from Mexico and is currently being held at the Maricopa County Jail.
“It is a significant day for the Phoenix Police Department, but more importantly, for Elena’s family.” In the video statement, Phoenix police Det. Dominick Roestenberg stated, “They have been waiting for justice for twenty years.” Through perseverance, hard work, and dedication, we were able to return Sergio Reyes to Phoenix to face charges, despite the fact that it took some time. According to court records, Reyes is represented by a public defender. There was no immediate response from his attorney regarding Reyes’ behalf on Friday afternoon.
Reyes is currently being detained on a $1.5 million bond, according to court and jail records. According to jail records, Reyes is currently held in custody on accusations of multiple homicide, two counts of sex crimes, kidnapping, and a count of criminal trespass and burglary.
On Friday afternoon, the police did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the case, including the extent to which Reyes, who was 17 years old in 2004, was acquainted with Elena.
Elena was discovered unresponsive and injured in a chamber of her residence on July 10, 2004, according to a separate statement from the police. Police reported that she was declared deceased at the scene.
According to the police, the case disintegrated due to the fact that investigators were unable to generate any leads or obtain any firsthand information regarding Elena’s murder. However, in 2012, detectives employed “DNA collection techniques” and identified a profile that corresponded to Reyes, according to the police.
Police verified that Reyes was the “lead suspect” after DNA evidence was processed in March 2013. Reyes, who was residing in Mexico, was indicted by a county grand jury the subsequent year, according to the police.
An extradition process was initiated in response to the indictment. Phoenix police acknowledged the U.S. Marshals Service authorities for their assistance in apprehending Reyes.
Steve Lasswell, Elena’s father, was interviewed by NBC affiliate KPNX in Mesa, Arizona. He expressed his skepticism that his family would ever witness justice for his daughter.
Lasswell stated, “To be honest, I was not anticipating any additional advancements in the case after 20 years.” “His arrest would serve as an effective deterrent to any further criminal activity.” That was the primary objective.
Lasswell expressed his gratitude to the police and detectives for their unwavering commitment to the investigation, which will assist his family in achieving some sense of closure.
“We all continue to mourn Elena and contemplate the potential she could have had,” he stated to KPNX. “I am truly grateful to the Phoenix Police Department and all those who contributed to this endeavor for their perseverance and success.”