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As seen on Unsolved Mysteries on August 29, 1997 (previously broadcast on April 25, 1997).
SYNOPSIS: Perhaps the most shocking of all crime statistics is that one out of every three women in the United States will be sexually assaulted during her lifetime. Occasionally, even the safety of a college campus can be violated, as it was at Texas A&M; University in January of 1995. The rapist hid his intent behind a show of normalcy. He was just a jogger. He looked just like any other student. According to police, the jogger ran by the victim, continuing on until he ran out of sight. Then he turned around, and ran back towards her. The victim didn't think the man's behavior odd, as this was not an uncommon thing for some joggers to do. As the man ran back towards the woman, he said hello, then suddenly attacked her. Police say the suspect kept telling the victim what to do, and she followed his instructions. He also kept a knife within sight, and the victim had every indication that the suspect would use the knife on her with no hesitation. Thirty minutes later, the rapist disappeared in the shadows.
University police soon released a composite drawing and character profile of the suspect: He was probably a college student, would strike again and would use the knife. Authorities were convinced if they didn't find him quickly there would be another sexual assault. The profile was right on target. Three months later, a knife wielding assailant attacked another Texas A&M; student. This time the attacker took his victim to a nearby field where he had apparently already prepared a site for his assault. When investigators compared the composite drawn based on the second victim's description to the first drawing, it bolstered their fears that a serial rapist was stalking the campus. Authorities wallpapered the campus community with composites. However, the sketches could only deal in generalities: the suspect has straight hair, not curly. He was young, not old, white not black. Many people ended up saying that he looked like any regular person, a clean cut college student.
The critical break came from the first victim herself. In November of 1995, ten months after the assault, she stopped for groceries at a local market. As the young woman got to the checkout counter, she made a startling discovery. The young woman was convinced that she was face to face with the man who raped her. Police would soon learn that the clerk was named Don Richard Davis, Jr. He was scheduled to graduate in three weeks from Texas A&M; University. When a photograph of Davis was shown to the second victim, she also identified him as the rapist. DNA was the clincher. Police say that preliminary tests showed with 90% certainty that Davis and the rapist were one and the same.
In January of 1996, Don Davis, Jr. was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault. Those who knew him were incredulous, many believing it had to be a case of mistaken identity. However, investigators say that the final DNA test results have left little margin for such an error, that the evidence was fairly overwhelming and conclusive. Don Davis, Jr. was released on bail of $150,000. The court ordered him to stay with his parents and observe a 10:00 p.m. curfew. On August 20, 1996, six days before the start of his trial, Davis did not come home. Authorities believe he took flight with the knowledge and assistance of his mother and father. Davis' parents are currently awaiting trial, accused of helping their son flee from justice.
Don Davis, Jr.'s car was found two weeks after his disappearance, parked outside the airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. However, authorities have uncovered no evidence that shows where Davis might have been headed, or if he even boarded a plane at all. Davis is wanted on two charges of aggravated sexual assault.
If you have any information about Don Richard Davis, Jr., please contact the Texas A&M; University Police, the FBI, or call the Unsolved Mysteries' phone center at 1-800-876-5353.