DNA tests have possibly linked a homeless Philadelphia man to three recent sexual assaults and strangulations in the city's Kensington section.
Antonio Rodriguez (pictured) was arrested Monday night and is being held on outstanding bench warrants until further DNA evidence is conducted.
Rodriguez, who is being interrogated for the murders associated with the Kensington Strangler case, has confessed to four of the deaths, but DNA evidence only linked him to three, according to police.
The 21-year-old, who had only recently been released from prison and was believed to be wandering aimlessly in the streets seeking shelter wherever he could, allegedly attacked the women in an area that is notorious for drugs and prostitution.
In addition to the murders, there were three other female survivors who reported sexual assault attacks followed by strangulation that left two of them in a state of unconsciousness.
In response to the attacks, Kensington residents have been more than vigilant.
For example, someone falsely accused a suspect of the strangulations via Facebook, and an angry mob formed, went to the accused's house and attempted to provide the man with their own version of justice.
The unidentified man called police, who arrived, cleared the suspect's name and calmed the crowd.
In addition, last year, an 11-year-old Kensington girl was raped by a man, who was then brutally beaten by an angry mob of neighbors who were able to recognize him from a police photo.
Regarding the Kensington Strangler case, police investigations eventually linked the deaths of Casey Mahoney, Nicole Piacentini and Elaine Goldberg through DNA.
Each of the victims were in their 20s and struggled with drug-addiction issues.
The victims, who were beaten, raped and then strangled, were all found in vacant lots within 10 miles of one another in late October to mid-December.
Rodriguez's DNA had been stored in a convicted felon database by state police who, in turn, supplied the info to the Philadelphia authorities.
During a news conference, a tipster called 911, saying that Rodriguez was hiding out in a house and the informant supplied police with the address.
An officer saw Rodriguez heading in to the house. When he spotted police, he tried to flee on foot but was caught within minutes, according to authorities.
Further testing will prove whether Rodriguez is indeed responsible for the crimes that have also taken place in Philly.
Watch Antonio Rodriguez's capture here:
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