By Erin Miller

Editor in chief

The Grand Rapids Police have named a suspect in the rapes of three Calvin students and at least one other woman that occurred within the last year in the Kentwood area.

According to an article in the Wednesday, Oct. 31 edition of the Grand Rapids Press, detectives have DNA evidence that links James Earl McRae, 39, to the rapes, the most recent of which occurred on Oct. 5 and involved a Calvin student and Calvin graduate. The three most recent rapes occurred within the past six weeks.

McRae's name was given to Silent Observer earlier this month. He was brought in for questioning, but was released because the police had no evidence with which to detain him. During the questioning, while he denied raping any of the women, McRae agreed to allow the police to take a DNA sample to compare with evidence collected from the rapes.

Test results that were available Monday showed that McRae's DNA matched the DNA of the rapist. A second set of tests are currently underway to confirm the results.

The Press reports that, after his release from questioning on Wednesday, Oct. 24, McRae apparently moved out of his apartment. He has not been seen since.

Earlier this fall, police speculated that the rapes had been committed by a serial rapist. All of the reported rapes took place in the morning, often when the victim was still in bed. The attacker wore a mask for at least four of the attacks, and a few of the women reported that they were also robbed after being raped. None of the victims were beaten. At least one woman was threatened at gunpoint, and a knife was used in another case.

The article in the Grand Rapids Press said that police believe McRae watched his victims, may have followed them to their homes at least once and waited until they were asleep before entering their apartment or condominium.

After learning that DNA from the most recent rapes matched that of rapes dating back to August 2000, the Grand Rapids Police Department was able to obtain an arrest warrant for McRae. In addition to first-degree criminal sexual assault, McRae is also charged with home invasion and car theft. If convicted on all charges, he faces life in prison.