Person of interest in Detroit serial killer case charged with sexually assaulting woman

Deangelo Martin charged with assault with intent to murder, first-degree CSC

DETROIT – A person of interest in a Detroit serial killer case has been charged in connection with the stabbing and sexual assault of a 26-year-old woman, police said.

Sexual assault incident

Deangelo Kenneth Martin, 34, of Detroit, is accused of stabbing and sexually assaulting the woman at 1:40 a.m. May 7 at a house on the city's east side.

Martin is charged with one count of assault with intent to murder and four counts of first-degree criminal sexual assault.

He was arraigned Monday in 36th District Court. A probable cause conference is scheduled for June 20, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for June 25.

Serial killer case

Martin was arrested around 7:30 p.m. Friday in the area of Seven Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue as a person of interest in the serial killer case. Detroit police Chief James Craig said Martin is a homeless man known to frequent the area where the bodies of three women -- Nancy Harrison, Travesene Ellis and Tamara M. Jones -- were found.

Harrison was found March 19 on Coventry Street, police said. Ellis was found May 24 on Linnhurst Street, police said. The third victim was found Wednesday in a vacant house on Mack Avenue, according to authorities.

Deangelo Kenneth Martin (WDIV)

Craig said Monday that police have identified the third victim, but they're not prepared to release her identity at this time.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-2260.

The Detroit police investigation into Martin's involvement in the serial killer case is ongoing.

Another surviving victim

Craig said police are interviewing another victim who survived a crime June 3 at the same Mack Avenue location.

"We believe, based on the work that's being done, that this suspect is tied into all the crimes, and we'll have more information soon," Craig said.

Craig said the two surviving victims reached out to police after authorities asked for anyone with information to come forward.

"We're confident that he is connected to all of the cases that we have described," Craig said.

Missing Ferndale woman

Craig said it's still unclear if the disappearance of a woman out of Ferndale is connected to Martin.

RELATED: Missing woman last seen with person of interest in serial killer investigation

Deborah Reynolds was reported missing in August and was last seen with Martin, according to authorities.

Family members said Reynolds had a run-in with police in Ferndale in September. Video shows her being detained outside a 7-Eleven store, and Martin was also detained at the location, police said.

Ferndale police dropped the pair off at a gas station in Detroit, and Reynolds hasn't been seen since, officials said.

"There is a reported missing (person)," Craig said. "That's murky. Potentially it could be yet another victim, but we have not confirmed it."

Craig said police are still working the case and there are still many unanswered questions.


About the Author

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

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