DNA evidence leads to arrest of 75-year-old Auburn man – Opelika Auburn News

New DNA evidence has led police to arrest a75-year-old Auburn man who allegedly raped an underage victim in the woods near Lee Road 57 over 20 years ago, authorities said.

Bobby Lee Pitts was charged with first-degree kidnapping, rapeand sodomy in the 2003 incident. He is being held in the Lee County Detention Center without bond.

"I hope this sends a powerful message that no matter how much time has passed, we will never relent in our pursuit of justice. Every case matters deeply to us, and we will continue to pursue truth and accountability. Today, we stand firm in our promise," Auburn Police Chief Cedric Anderson said.

Anders said the arrest does more than give thevictim and their family closure.

"Its a testament to the unwavering commitment of our police department," the police chief said.

Auburn police launched an investigation into the incident onOct. 4, 2003. They met with a underaged victim who reported being sexual assaulted in a wooded area near Lee Road 57. The victim told police that theassailant forced them into the woods and subjected them to multiple acts of sexual violence.

At the time of the crime, police couldn't identify a suspect based on the physical evidence and description of the attacker.

APD cold case investigators submitted evidence through the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to the FBIs Combined DNA Index System. In January, APD received results fromforensic examinationthat authorities said identified Pitts as the offender.

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DNA evidence leads to arrest of 75-year-old Auburn man - Opelika Auburn News