20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing

Twenty years after the brutal murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in Phoenix, Arizona, a suspect has been arrested. Sergio Francisco Reyes, 37, was apprehended in Mexico and extradited back to the United States to face charges of sexual assault and first-degree murder.

After two decades of unanswered questions and a persistent search for justice, Phoenix police have finally made an arrest in the gruesome cold case murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, exactly 20 years to the day of Lasswell's tragic death, authorities apprehended Sergio Francisco Reyes, 37, in connection with the crime.

According to the Phoenix Police Department (PPD), Reyes was extradited from Mexico and booked into Maricopa County Jail on multiple violent felony charges, including sexual assault and first-degree murder. The arrest marks a significant milestone in the long-running investigation that has haunted the Lasswell family and the Phoenix community for years.

20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing

On the fateful night of July 10, 2004, Phoenix police responded to a house in the area of 23rd Ave. and Thomas Road, where they discovered the lifeless body of Elena Lasswell. Officers and Phoenix fire personnel rushed to the scene but were unable to revive the young victim.

Homicide detectives immediately launched an investigation, but with no direct witnesses or clear suspects, the case quickly went cold. In an effort to garner community support, detectives turned to the Silent Witness program, asking for any information that could lead to the identification of the perpetrator. However, despite these appeals, no significant leads were generated.

20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing

In 2012, cold case detectives employed advanced DNA collection techniques, which resulted in the identification of a profile that matched Reyes. Further DNA analysis in March 2013 confirmed Reyes as the lead suspect. At the time, Reyes was residing in Mexico, prompting a collaborative effort between the Phoenix Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate and apprehend him.

Reyes' indictment by a Maricopa County grand jury in 2014 set the wheels in motion for the extradition process. With the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Reyes was eventually apprehended and brought back to the United States to face the charges against him.

20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing

The arrest of Reyes has brought a sense of relief and closure to the Lasswell family, who have endured years of pain and uncertainty. Elena's aunt, Katie Tourville, expressed her gratitude to the Phoenix Police Department for their unwavering dedication to the case. "It's been a long haul, and thank God for Phoenix PD. They have been absolutely amazing," said Tourville.

While Elena's mother had passed away before the suspect was apprehended, Tourville shared her mother's wish for justice. "She wanted him to be caught so he couldn't hurt anyone else," said Tourville.

20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing

Reyes is currently being held on $1.5 million bond at the Maricopa County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 17. The trial promises to be a highly emotional and closely watched event as the Lasswell family seeks justice for their beloved daughter.

The arrest of Sergio Francisco Reyes serves as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of law enforcement agencies. Despite the challenges of time and limited evidence, the Phoenix Police Department remained determined to find Elena's killer and bring him to justice. The Lasswell family, the Phoenix community, and all who have been touched by this tragedy can now find solace in the knowledge that the truth has prevailed.

20-Year-Old Cold Case Murder Solved: Suspect Arrested in Teen's Killing