Digest

This episode of Cold Case Files focuses on the case of the "Second Story Rapist" in Sacramento, California. The episode begins by introducing the rapist's modus operandi, targeting young women living alone in second-floor apartments. The episode then details the series of rapes committed by the rapist, starting in 1993, and highlights the consistent pattern of his attacks. The episode focuses on the fourth victim, Gwen, who was attacked in 1994 despite being aware of the rapist's modus operandi. The episode then delves into the investigation, highlighting the extensive efforts made to identify the rapist, including sketches, fingerprints, blood typing, and DNA analysis. Despite these efforts, the rapist's identity remained a mystery for years. The episode describes how a burglar, Ed Salis, provided a crucial tip about the Second Story Rapist, claiming his partner, Paul Robinson, had committed the rapes. The episode then highlights the approaching statute of limitations on Gwen's case, which would have prevented prosecution. Detective Wilover sought help from District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert, who proposed using the suspect's DNA profile to issue an arrest warrant. The episode reveals that a DNA match was found, identifying Paul Eugene Robinson as the Second Story Rapist. Robinson was arrested and charged with two of the attacks, as the statute of limitations only allowed for prosecution in those cases. The episode describes Paul Robinson's trial, where the defense challenged the arrest warrant based on DNA evidence. The judge ultimately denied the motion, and Robinson was found guilty of Gwen's attack.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Second Story Rapist

This episode of Cold Case Files introduces the case of the "Second Story Rapist" in Sacramento, California. The episode begins with a description of the rapist's modus operandi, targeting young women living alone in second-floor apartments. The episode details the series of rapes committed by the Second Story Rapist, starting in 1993. The rapist's consistent pattern of targeting young women living alone in second-floor apartments, entering through windows or doors, and attacking in the early morning hours is highlighted. The episode focuses on the fourth victim, Gwen, who was attacked by the Second Story Rapist in 1994. Despite being aware of the rapist's modus operandi, Gwen left her window partially open due to the heat, leading to the attack.

00:07:45

The Investigation and Arrest

The episode delves into the investigation of the Second Story Rapist. Despite extensive efforts, including sketches, fingerprints, blood typing, and DNA analysis, the rapist's identity remained a mystery for years. The episode describes how a burglar, Ed Salis, provided a crucial tip about the Second Story Rapist. Salis claimed his partner, Paul Robinson, had committed the rapes, and he provided details about the attacks, including the use of condoms. The episode highlights the approaching statute of limitations on Gwen's case, which would have prevented prosecution. Detective Wilover sought help from District Attorney Ann Marie Schubert, who proposed using the suspect's DNA profile to issue an arrest warrant. The episode reveals that a DNA match was found, identifying Paul Eugene Robinson as the Second Story Rapist. Robinson was arrested and charged with two of the attacks, as the statute of limitations only allowed for prosecution in those cases.

00:16:57

Trial and Conviction

The episode describes Paul Robinson's trial, where the defense challenged the arrest warrant based on DNA evidence. The judge ultimately denied the motion, and Robinson was found guilty of Gwen's attack.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the modus operandi of the Second Story Rapist?

  The Second Story Rapist targeted young women living alone in second-floor apartments, entering through windows or doors, and attacking in the early morning hours.

• How was Paul Eugene Robinson identified as the Second Story Rapist?

  DNA evidence collected from the crime scenes matched Robinson's DNA profile, linking him to the attacks.

• What was the significance of the statute of limitations in this case?

  The statute of limitations threatened to prevent prosecution of the Second Story Rapist. However, a John Doe warrant was issued based on DNA evidence, allowing for charges to be filed before the time limit expired.

• What impact did the conviction of Paul Eugene Robinson have on the victims?

  While the conviction brought some closure and relief to the victims, it did not erase the trauma they experienced. They still carry scars from the attacks and struggle to fully recover.

Show Notes