PHOENIX — A man charged in a violent assault on a woman has now been implicated in a murder that occurred in the same area last summer, according to police. Luis Gustavo Prudente Tapia, 24, was apprehended last week following an attack on August 14, which left a woman critically injured in an alley on 44th Street, north of Oak Street. Authorities report that the woman sustained multiple broken bones and other serious injuries, indicating the attack may have been random.
Investigation revealed that Tapia is now a suspect in the murder of Margie New, a 64-year-old woman found unconscious with a head injury in the same alleyway on June 13, 2023. New succumbed to her injuries a week later after being hospitalized.
Initially, DNA collected from New’s murder did not yield a match in forensic databases. However, when DNA evidence from last month’s assault was processed, it produced a match to the earlier homicide. This breakthrough has enabled investigators to link Tapia to both incidents.
Currently, Tapia faces multiple serious charges stemming from the recent attack, including attempted second-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and four counts of aggravated assault. Detected DNA evidence will play a critical role as authorities prepare to file charges related to the 2023 murder.
The Phoenix Police Department emphasized the importance of community collaboration in the progress of these cases. They credited local residents for speaking out against violent crime and aiding law enforcement efforts. “These cases highlight the outstanding work and collaboration between our patrol officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, and forensic lab staff,” the department stated.
As investigations continue, both the community and law enforcement hope for justice for the victims affected by these troubling incidents.