DNA Connects Offender with Sexual Assaults on Two Teens

Man befriended victims before the attacks

A South Side father, with 14 kids, remains in custody Thursday after DNA evidence helped connect him with sexual assaults of two teenage girls in separate incidents, 14 years apart.

Marshall Smith, 44, of the 8400 block of S. Morgan was charged with one count each of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual assault. Police are also still investigating whether Smith is connected to additional attacks.

According to the Police report, Harrison Area Detectives pursued several leads in addition to submitting DNA evidence that helped identify Smith and take him into custody.

The assaults occurred this year and in 1996. Both teenage victims explained to police how Smith befriended them and gained their trust before taking them to a remote location and raping them.

SunTimes reports that Smith is being held on $500,000 bail.

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