The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively searching for a suspect linked to a chilling series of murders, the latest of which claimed the life of 34-year-old Alyssa Ann Rivera. According to an update released by the APD, Rivera was found deceased by officers on June 21, in the 2600 block of Metcalfe Road. In what may be a breakthrough in the investigation, detectives have now identified a DNA link between Rivera's murder and the unsolved case of Alba Jenisse Aviles, who was killed more than six years earlier. The connection was made public earlier this month, giving new momentum to the search for the perpetrator.

Authorities are urgently working to piece together the evidence that they hope will lead them to the suspect, who has evaded capture since Aviles' murder on April 14, 2018. Both crimes are believed to be sexually motivated. As officers try to close in on the suspect, APD has also released new images of a person of interest who could shed light on Rivera's untimely death. This person, captured on surveillance footage, is described as a short, Hispanic male and might have crucial information regarding the case.

As stated on the APD's official website, the homicides of Rivera and Aviles are connected by DNA evidence, despite the gap in years and the different jurisdictions. The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Aviles' murder, which occurred after she left Club Caribe in Austin, only miles away from where Rivera's body was found.

The police are calling on the community for assistance and urge anyone with information to come forward. They have made it easier and more secure for individuals to provide leads, ensuring anonymity through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program. "Anyone with any information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS," reads a statement released by APD. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest, to help swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice.

Rivera's murder is Austin's 27th homicide of the year, marking a grim statistic in the city's battle against violence. With the killer still at large, the APD emphasizes the crucial role that public tips can play in solving these heartbreaking cases. They hope that the newly released images, and the promise of a financial reward, will encourage witnesses or anyone with knowledge of either crime to step forward and help to put an end to a string of violence that has lingered over the city for too long.