New Haven Serial Rapist Caught: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT — Detectives inked a man to eight sexual assault cases with the help of DNA evidence, according to police.

Investigation began in April 2018 when police got information that possible prostitutes were being sexual assaulted and robbed in the Edgewood Park area. The women were reluctant to come forward and officially report the assaults to police.

“Sexual assaults are under reported by victims due to shame and fear," said Lt. Renee Dominguez. "The collection of forensic evidence of the victims is very invasive. We want to highlight the strength of our victims, and all sexual assault victims, who are an integral part in a police investigation.”

Sgt. Mary Helland combed through reports of sexual assaults and attempted sexual assaults that were consistent with the location and the suspect's general pattern. She came across two May 2018 incidents that fit the bill.

Police responded to an August 2018 reported sexual assault on Norton Street. The victim said she was sexual assaulted and that the perpetrator took her phone. She got a replacement phone and noticed photos were being uploaded to her iCloud account. Police searched her phone records, which led them to suspect Navardo Lockhart, 26, of New Haven.

Police then secured an arrest warrant and DNA search warrant for Lockhart. Lockhart was arrested Sept. 15 and has been in custody ever since. The State Forensic Lab linked six sexual assault evidence kits to Lockhart's DNA profile, police said.

So far police have secured five arrest warrants for Lockhart that charge him with first-degree sex assault, first-degree robbery and other crimes. There are two more cases that are linked to Lockhart outside of the six DNA matches.

Lockhart's DNA will be uploaded to the national database, which would uncover any other linked cases, police said.

"This was an extensive complex case. It brought out the challenges victims go through when trying to report a sexual assault and the stigma attached not only with public perception, but officers as well," said Assistant Chief Herb Johnson. The response by Sergeant Helland and her detectives to consult with our partners, support the victims and meet with officers was truly amazing. This great work removed a violent offender from the New Haven community.”

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