“Serial Predator” Linked To New Years Attacks, Barrera Murder is Dead

On January 12th, the APD investigated a deceased persons call at the 3000 block of Guadalupe. James Loren Brown was found dead by his roommate after coming back from the holidays, and APD linked the composite sketch of the Barerra suspect with Brown while also taking into account the proximity of Brown's residence and the attacks that took place on New Year's. FOX is reporting that DNA taken from a New Year's Day attack matched Brown's, and that it also matches four other unsolved cases. No word on whether DNA has been matched to Esme Barrera's case, though police are confirming Brown is the prime suspect in her case as well. Brown was considered a suspect in attacks in "South Austin early July 1, on joggers on July 8, and an attack on Sept. 11 around 8:30 a.m. at Comal and Haskell streets in East Austin," according to the Statesman.

From the APD: "The Austin Police Department Homicide Unit is investigating James Loren Brown as a suspect in the two other cases that occurred on King Street during the early morning hours of January 1, 2012. This includes Esmeralda Barrera’s murder. We consider Brown a suspect, but there is a considerable amount of investigative work to be completed. The DNA scientists are examining a significant amount of items that were seized from Brown’s residence. APD’s Digital Analysis Response Team is also examining electronic items seized from Brown’s residence. Homicide detectives are conducting interviews to learn more about Brown, and Sex Crimes detectives are re-interviewing and presenting photograph lineups to victims in possible other cases where no DNA evidence was present."