TELLICO PLAINS, MONROE COUNTY (WVLT) -- For more than two months, the crime itself has left a community on edge.
On March 5th, a 92 year old woman awakened by a man trying to suffocate her with a pillow. She pretended to pass out, and the intruder brutally beat and raped her.
Several law enforcement agencies were brought in to help Tellico Plains police investigate the case, and on Saturday, Police Chief Bill Isbell announced a break.
DNA evidence collected from a straw was tested, and matched DNA left at scene of the rape.
"There is a sufficient connection that we've were able to establish as probable cause,” said Chief Isbell. “Last night with the assistance of our District Attorney's office and the assistance of the TBI, we obtained an arrest warrant."
The warrant identified the suspect as Francisco Barbosa, 35 who also goes by the name of Francisco Sanchez. According to authorities, he is an illegal immigrant who was working construction and staying with his brother in the area at the time of the rape.
Police say Barbosa has since skipped town and authorities recently found his car at a bus station in Houston, Texas. They think he is now in Mexico.
In spite of his wanted status, the chief said Barbosa's victim is relieved.
"When we got to go see her this morning, Det. Norwood held her hand and we told her that we had identified who did this to you," he said. "Her response was 'praise God.'"
Federal authorities had joined local and state agencies in the investigation, bringing in a criminal profiler and DNA experts.
“This came about as a result of going back to the neighborhood, and talking to those people again, for the third time and fourth time,” said Chief Isbell. “We said, ‘listen people, we're missing something here. Even if it doesn’t seem significant to you, it may turn out to be significant.’ As it turns out, that was exactly the case."
US Marshals are talking to the Mexican government about tracking Barbosa and extraditing him back to Monroe County to face charges of Aggravated Rape and Especially Aggravated Burglary.
According to Chief Isbell, Barbosa could be captured and returned in the near future.
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