‘Katie’s Law’ May Have Helped Find An Alleged Rapist

LAS CRUCES, NM. – A man is arrested for a brutal rape he allegedly committed four years ago, and it’s all thanks to DNA and “Katie’s Law.”

According to officials, 32 year-old Noel Sanchez was already in prison after being convicted on an un-related assault. Officials now say that he could be there a whole lot longer if convicted of these new rape charges.

Back in 2002, police were looking Mr. Sanchez in connection with a brutal, sadistic rape in the east mesa. Thursday, officers believe Mr. Sanchez, who’s currently serving time in Grant prison for other felony convictions, is their man.

It was DNA found on the victim that a New Mexico crime lab says belongs to Mr. Sanchez. Law enforcement officials tells ABC-7, cracking this 4-year-old case gives them a boost of confidence in solving similar crimes.

Thanks in large part to “Katie’s Law,” named for rape and murder victim Katie Sepich, the new law requires DNA to be taken not just from convicted felons, but even anyone arrested on most felony charges.