Boston authorities say an alleged serial rapist and kidnapper has been identified after more than a decade through advanced forensic genealogy and DNA analysis. The suspect, who now reportedly works as an attorney in New York City, was arrested in New Jersey on Tuesday.Â
Matthew J. Nilo, 35, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. at his home in Weehawken. He formerly lived in the North End of Boston and has now been accused of sexually assaulting four women in the Terminal Street area on Aug. 18, 2007, Nov. 22, 2007, Aug. 5, 2008, and Dec. 23, 2008.Â
Nilo, who police say could have been a college student at the time, around age 19 or 20, is charged with three counts of aggravated rape, two counts of kidnapping, one count of assault with intent to rape, and one count of indecent assault and battery.Â
“Today’s arrest is a direct result of the FBI’s use of investigative genetic genealogy, a unique method used to generate new leads in unsolved sex assaults, homicides and other violent crimes,” Boston FBI Special Agent In Charge Joe Bonavolonta said at a press conference Tuesday.Â
WOMAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING HER BOSTON POLICE OFFICER BOYFRIEND BACK IN COURT, AS DEFENSE SUBPOENAS NEW WITNESSESÂ
“Immediately following his arrest, we’ve shared this news with the four sexual assault survivors who have been waiting years to learn the identity of their alleged assailant,” Bonavolonta said. “While we know today’s arrest of Mr. Nilo cannot erase the harm he allegedly inflicted upon his survivors, we believe we have removed a dangerous threat from our community.”Â
The Boston Globe cited a LinkedIn profile appearing to indicate that Nilo works as a cyber attorney in New York City and earned his law degree at the University of San Francisco.Â
WCVB reported that Nilo graduated from Boston Latin School in 2006.Â
“Honestly, very shocking,” Nilo’s former co-worker told WCVB. “He was normal, a good-looking kid that did well at anything he put his mind to.”Â
In addition to…
Read the full article here