A man apprehended on Sunday in Philadelphia for his involvement in three machete attacks or attempted attacks is also a person of interest in the 2003 murder of a jogger and multiple historical sexual assaults, according to the city’s police chief, Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford.
Elias Diaz, 46, currently faces charges in connection with a machete attack on November 24, during which two individuals were slashed while walking on a trail, as revealed by Commissioner Stanford in a press conference. However, following Diaz’s arrest on Sunday, the police have gathered DNA and other evidence, leading them to believe he may have committed additional crimes two decades ago.
The earlier offenses, known locally as the “Fairmount Park rapist” cases, include the murder of Rebecca Park in July 2003, along with two or three other sexual assaults that occurred in Fairmount Park over an extended period, Stanford explained. Confirmation of Diaz’s involvement in these cases awaits the results of DNA testing.
The recent machete attacks began on November 22 when a cyclist was assaulted on a trail after announcing his intention to pass another person. Subsequently, on November 24, a male and female were attacked while walking on a trail in Pennypack Park. Another attempted attack on a female took place the next day, with the victim managing to escape unharmed. The last incident was reported on December 6, leading to Diaz’s arrest after a witness reported a man on a bike carrying a machete.
The 2003 and 2007 crimes involved sexual assaults, attempted sexual assault, and the sexual assault and murder of Rebecca Park, a 30-year-old college student. The survivors of these attacks consistently described the assailant as riding a metallic purple 10-speed bicycle.
First Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore provided details of the historical crimes, emphasizing the patterns that linked them through DNA evidence. The cases were eventually connected a few years ago through genealogy research, leading investigators to Elias Diaz. The FBI narrowed down familial contacts earlier this year, finding a potential connection to Diaz.
Although Diaz has not been charged in the 2003 or 2007 cases, Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore anticipates additional charges, including murder, related to the homicide of Rebecca Park. DNA results are expected to be available soon.
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Commissioner Stanford praised the diligent police work over the past two decades and acknowledged the significance of Sunday’s arrest. The case remains under investigation, and officials encourage anyone with information or who may have been a victim in the past to contact the police. Retired Police Capt. John Darby, who oversaw the Special Victims Unit during the earlier cases, described Tuesday as a “significant day,” acknowledging the lasting impact such cases have on investigators.