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Composite sketch released in Kansas College Rapist case

Posted at 4:30 PM, Dec 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-12 18:59:26-05

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Riley County police have re-released the composite sketch of a man they say may have information about a serial rapist connected to rapes in both Manhattan and Lawrence.

In July, Riley County police announced a joint effort with Lawrence police to intensify efforts to solve the series of cases which began in 2000 and appear to be connected.

Together, the departments launched a website with information about the man they’ve dubbed the “Kansas College Rapist.”

In a news release, Riley County police said part of these efforts include a review of each individual case to find any information that may generate new leads.

During the investigation of the first rape at 2215 College Ave. in Manhattan, a person gave police information about a white man seen near the location shortly before the incident.

They described him as being 5-feet-10-inches to 6-feet tall, with a medium athletic build, and medium-length, sandy blonde hair.

RELATED: Police link 14th case to "Kansas College Rapist"

At the time, it wasn’t known if the man was connected to the rape, but police still wanted to question him, and so distributed this composite sketch in the area of the incident. It didn’t yield any leads.

With the renewed effort to solve the cases, the departments decided to release the composite again in hopes that anyone who lived in or visited the Manhattan area, or attended K-State, at the time might recognize the man.

Riley County police told 41 Action News they believe this is the first time the sketch has been released to the general public.

Police emphasized that the sketch represents what the subject may have looked like in October 2000, and his appearance has most likely changed since then.

Anyone who might recognize the subject is asked to call Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers at 785-539-7777, or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also text “CRIMES” (274637) and begin the text with “TIP353” to submit information.

For more information on submitting a tip, click here.

Lawrence residents are also asked to use these numbers to submit any information. Police said maintaining one point of contact will help them make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

The release said an anonymous local donor has given Riley County police $10,000 to use as reward money for information leading to an arrest in the cases.

Since the press conference announcing the partnership in July, Riley County police said they have received more than 40 leads from tips.

They said they have worked through several of them, and hope that the re-release of the composite generates even more new information.