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Alleged serial rapist who attacked at least four Tulsa County women

TULSA, Okla. – Joshua DeCosta is accused of raping four women over an 11-year period.

During an interagency news conference on Oct. 31, the Tulsa police chief, county sheriff, district attorney and an OSBI spokesman explained how DNA helped them link DaCosta to the crimes.

WATCH the full press conference:

Tulsa law enforcement holds a press conference to discuss the arrest of a serial rapist

Sheriff Vic Regalado said the first rape occurred in Tulsa County in 2008, when DeCosta was a teenager.

“A 20-year-old woman came out the back door to let her dog out and was immediately attacked from behind. She was so attacked that she lost consciousness. About an hour later, the victim regained consciousness and called 911. There was evidence Since the victim was unconscious during the sexual assault, it is not possible to tell her that the perpetrator was identified. The pain of this rape took its toll and the victim committed suicide.

Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado

Tulsa police investigated the next three rapes related to DeCosta.

  • A 14-year-old in 2013
  • A 25 year old in 2015
  • A 14 year old in 2019

Police Chief Dennis Larsen praises the victims for coming forward, naming the perpetrator and providing DNA evidence to help investigators.

For over a decade, the suspect harassed and traumatized several young women. Thanks to continued advances in technology and the unwavering commitment of all law enforcement officers across the state who investigated these heinous crimes, this suspect is no longer a suspect and will never harm another innocent victim again.

Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen

District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said, “You are dealing with a crime that is likely punishable by a life sentence.”

DaCosta was arrested while serving time in a federal prison in Oregon on a 2019 rape conviction. Investigators told us on Oct. 29 that he was just days away from being released when they arrested him on the Tulsa County rape charges.

He is currently being held in an ICE detention center at the David L. Moss Center in Tulsa because he is a citizen of Guyana.

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