AUSTIN -- New information is shedding new light on a suspected serial predator.
Rebecca Geitz works at Allen Boots, one of the many, hip cool and eclectic places to shop on South Congress. But in July 2001, a more sinister presence reared its head on the popular strip, causing concern for many.
"We were just a little bit more on our toes for the moment," she said.
Austin police said two women were attacked in the area by the same man last summer. DNA evidence linked the attacks to 25-year-old James Loren Brown.
"He would follow a female for ... many blocks, up to 40-blocks, follow them and eventually attack them," said Lieut. Michael Eveleth, of the Austin Police Department's Violent Crimes Division.
Police said DNA shows Brown attacked a woman on July 1 in South Austin, then two more victims a week later closer to downtown. Two months later, a fourth assault occurred on Haskell.
DNA also linked Brown to a New Year's Day attack near the University of Texas. Police believe he was behind another assualt, and Esme Barrera's murder, in the same area the same day.
"I do know that we're looking at a lot of anger, obviously anger, towards women because his assaults were all towards women and violent assaults," said Lt. Eveleth.
Brown was discharged from the Navy in 2010 but no one in the military would say why. Originally from Dallas, he worked in a Navy health clinic. His co-workers in Austin described him as nice.
On January 12, Brown's roomate found him dead in their condo near 30th and Guadalupe, a result, police said, of suicide.
"We're still a little shook up I think," said Jordan Holder, who lived near Brown. "We still don't go out at night by ourselves and we're just kind of taking precautions, for now at least."
Precautions on South Congress are bringing with them peace of mind.
"I'm glad we know who he was," said Geitz. "I'm glad he's out of the way."
