Brianna Denison
Brianna Denison disappeared on Sunday, January 20, 2008, while visiting friends near the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Denison's body was found on February 15, 2008. Police used DNA evidence to confirm links to two previous sexual attacks in Reno.1
On November 25, 2008, authorities arrested 27-year-old James Biela in connection with Denison's murder. DNA evidence was reportedly collected from Biela and authorities planned a news conference on November 26, 2008, to discuss details of the case.2
Fast Facts
- Birth date: March 29, 19883
- Age: 19 years old in 20081
- Graduated from Reno High School in 20064
- Attended: Santa Barbara City College
- Majored in child psychology4
- Disappeared on January 20, 2008, while visiting friends at University of Nevada Reno
- Denison's body was found in a field three weeks later1
- Police linked DNA evidence to a Reno serial rapist1
- Surviving victims describe the attacker as a white male between the ages of 28 and 40 years old with a square chin, brown hair, pot belly, short beard and a height of about 5'6"1
Brianna Denison Abduction
On January 20, 2008, Denison was last seen sleeping on the couch at a friends apartment after an off-campus party. Her friend woke up to find a blood stained pillowcase where Denison had slept. Her cell phone, shoes and pocketbook were left behind.1
DNA Links to Serial Rapist
DNA evidence taken from the crime scene linked the same man to at least two other attacks in the Reno area. The Reno rapist's DNA does not match the DNA of anyone in the National DNA Database.5 According to police, the rapist leaves behind a strange "calling card." At each crime scene, the rapist leaves the panties belonging to his last victim.1
Related Pages on Mahalo
James Biela | University of Nevada Reno | Reno Rapist | Reno | Nevada | DNA Evidence | Maura Murray
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