1996 Rape Case Solved With New DNA Evidence

COLUMBUS (Mary Jedlicka) -- New DNA evidence led Columbus Police detectives to a suspect - and an arrest - from a 1996 rape case.

Franklin County prosecutor Ron O Brien says because 47-year-old Leroy Davis served time for sexual battery, his DNA was in the police database. When detectives re-opened the 1996 case, they got a match.

SWAT officers arrested Davis on Thursday.

A search of court records shows Davis was charged in several other rape cases dating back to the late 1980s, but the prosecutor says either detectives couldn t find the victims or the victims did not want to testify in the cases.

Davis will make his first appearance in court on the kidnapping and rape charges from the 1996 case Saturday morning.

O Brien says his office will look at the previous cases to see if they can get any more convictions.

If a jury finds Davis guilty on these current charges, he could face 20-plus years in prison.