Tyler James Munguia: Serial sexual predator charged with 59 felony counts as cops look for 7th woman he abused
Warning: This article contains description of crime that may trigger some readers. Discretion is advised.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: A grand jury has indicted a Chandler man on charges of sexually assaulting at least six women in the Phoenix region in Arizona. Detectives are looking for the seventh victim. On April 18, 2023, 59 criminal counts against the suspect Tyler James Munguia were announced, including 38 counts of sexual assault, six counts of kidnapping, and nine counts of sexual abuse.
In a similar incident, Benjamin Parke Belser, a Los Angeles man with a "distinctive body odor", was arrested in connection with a string of sexual assaults and authorities have asked for more victims to come forward with information so that the investigation may create a strong case against the culprit.
READ MORE
Nathan Chasing Horse: Sex abuse charges against ‘Dances With Wolves’ star, 46, upheld
Who is Tyler James Munguia?
In June, Phoenix police arrested Tyler Munguia when it was discovered that he had allegedly kidnapped two women at knifepoint, bound them with duct tape, and raped them in front of a camera. He even promised a woman $8,000 if she cooperates in one case. This spurred a bigger inquiry and authorities have subsequently discovered six victims. "I can tell you these were violent crimes that have been perpetrated against these victims," said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, as per AZ Family.
Who is the seventh victim?
Phoenix police claim there is another victim based on video evidence uncovered during their investigation. She is described as a White or Hispanic woman between the ages of 18 and 22, with auburn hair that could have been a wig. She wore two necklaces, one with the word "Angel" engraved on it and the other in the shape of a charm or pendant ring. "We have a seventh victim that we want to make sure that she’s OK and we want to check the welfare on her," stated Phoenix Police Commander Edward DeCastro.
Where is the seventh victim?
Perhaps the lost person is not even in the Valley. According to Mitchell, the first event occurred in October 2021 and more rapes occurred in 2022 between March and June. Munguia has been imprisoned since June 2022.
According to Sullivan, the inquiry took police to California and Nevada in addition to other states around the nation. That implies that the seventh victim could be anywhere. "We assume that she is alive until proven differently," DeCastro stated.
Are there more victims?
There could be more victims than just seven, according to the detectives. According to Phoenix police, these kidnappings took place in public and they are urging people to exercise caution while they are out by themselves.
'This case is not done'
The serial sexual assaulter may face further charges if Phoenix police discover his seventh purported victim. Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan said, "Even with all the work that has been done, this case is not done; we need your help."