Suspected Serial Killer Charged in 1977 Murders of 3 Women in Southern California

Warren Luther Alexander, 73, a suspected serial killer from Diamondhead, Mississippi, was recently charged with the 1977 murders of three women in Southern California. The women, 18-year-old Kimberly Fritz, 31-year-old Velvet Sanchez, and 21-year-old Lorraine Rodriguez, all met their tragic fates through strangulation, leaving investigators without leads at the time.

DNA Evidence and Arrest

The breakthrough came when Alexander's DNA, as a long-haul truck driver, was matched to the crime scenes after being uploaded to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) national database last year. His previous arrest in North Carolina for a 1992 murder there led to his extradition. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko expressed gratitude to the investigators and law enforcement agencies involved in this cold case, stating that the passage of time has not diminished the pursuit of justice for the victims.

The Victims and Suspect Connection

All three victims were sex workers frequenting areas known for prostitution in the Los Angeles area. The police apprehended Alexander, who remains in custody without bail. Furthermore, he is believed to be a suspect in other unsolved murders across California and other states during his years as a truck driver from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Impact on the Community

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office's relentless pursuit of justice for these long-forgotten cases sends a powerful message to the community and potential offenders. The passage of time does not diminish the authorities' commitment to seeking justice for victims, and cases that have gone cold may still hold the key to apprehending criminals.

Wider Implications and Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring the possibility of additional victims tied to Alexander's suspected criminal activities. The impact of this case extends beyond Ventura County, reaching into other states, as law enforcement agencies collaborate to piece together a comprehensive understanding of the suspect's potential criminal history.