DNA Match Leads To Suspect ID In 2006 Rape Case

MILWAUKEE, WI — A DNA database started in 2015 may bring justice to an alleged rapist. The 2006 gang rape of a 15-year-old girl had gone unanswered until Tuesday, when Duane Thompson, 33, stood in court after a DNA match came up in the database on Aug. 4.

On July 13, 2006, the girl was walking in the area of N. 51st Street and North Avenue when a vehicle stopped beside her. Men forced her inside the van, pinned her down and covered her mouth while taking her to a basement, CBS 58 reported.

She struggled, yelling at the men to get away from her, according to CBS 58. Despite her efforts, they took turns raping her and eventually let her go. She went to a friend's house and called the police.

Now 26, the victim was able to point out one of the men who raped her after looking through photos. It is unclear to Patch whether she specifically identified Thompson.

Thompson denies the charges, CBS 58 said. They reported Thompson as telling police that he's not a rapist, always uses condoms and that he doesn't know how his DNA got on the victim.

The DNA database has yielded 904 investigative leads, according to CBS 58.

Thompson is set to return to court next week.

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