It took more than two years, but investigators say a DNA match has finally led to an arrest in a January 2024 home invasion and sexual assault on Indianapolis' north side. According to court records, 49-year-old Leonel Catalan-Torreblanca was identified this month after forensic testing flagged a match and was then taken into custody.
Court documents state the assault happened on Jan. 24, 2024, at the Lodge at Trails Edge near East 96th Street and North College Avenue. The victim underwent a sexual assault exam, and investigators collected DNA evidence. According to filings reviewed by WTHR, the Indianapolis-Marion County crime lab notified detectives of a DNA match on April 22, 2026. IMPD's Violent Crimes Unit arrested Catalan-Torreblanca on April 23, and he made his initial appearance in Marion County court on April 27. Prosecutors filed charges on April 26, including three counts of rape (Level 1), burglary resulting in bodily injury (Level 3), attempted rape (Level 1), kidnapping and criminal confinement resulting in bodily injury (Level 5), sexual battery (Level 4) and strangulation (Level 6).
Charges and custody
Online jail records show the court set a $20,000 cash bond for Catalan-Torreblanca. He is being held in custody on a federal detainer request, according to Marion County jail records. Those records list the slate of felony charges and indicate he remains in Marion County custody while the case moves forward.
Where it happened and neighborhood reaction
The assault occurred at the Lodge at Trails Edge, a small apartment complex on the city's far north side. Neighbors there have already been on edge because of other recent incidents. In mid-April, a reported attempted abduction there in mid-April drew additional attention to the property, and IMPD told reporters it has increased North District patrols in the area.
What investigators say
According to court documents, Catalan-Torreblanca admitted entering the apartment and seeing the victim. The filings also note a brief statement he allegedly made after his arrest. During processing, he reportedly responded, “oh you know,” a comment attributed to him in documents cited by WTHR, as detectives credited the forensic testing for the long-awaited break in the case.
Next steps
The case will continue through Marion County court, and Catalan-Torreblanca is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty. Investigators say anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact IMPD's North District or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
