Alleged rape victim provided HPD with suspect’s name, address, but case took backseat, Chron reports

In Houston, Texas, our media associates at the Houston Chronicle have disclosed a significant development linking a man to multiple rape cases. Investigations into both incidents were halted by the Houston Police Department due to staffing shortages.

A rape case from 2022, which authorities now attribute to Jose Luis Reyes-Martinez, was put on hold due to inadequate personnel.

As per the Chronicle, referring to two law enforcement sources, the victim provided law enforcement with the suspect’s name, address, and license plate number. She also consented to the collection of physical evidence from her body. Despite these efforts, the investigation was halted.

Subsequently, a year later, after Reyes-Martinez was captured on video robbing a Fiesta Mart in the Aldine area, police stated that he broke into another woman’s residence, restrained her husband, and sexually assaulted her.

“We do not believe this is his first time. We believe there are other crimes associated with him,” an HPD investigator informed following the violent incident.

Court records indicate that federal investigators, not HPD, connected the two cases using DNA obtained from the first victim.

The Chronicle states that Reyes-Martinez is considered a suspect in the initial rape case but has not been formally charged.

He is currently in custody.