DNA database leads to arrest in unsolved 2013 Texarkana rape

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Miller County prosecutors have formally charged a man whose DNA matches evidence from a Texarkana, Ark., rape in 2013.

Elrodrick Demonte Cheatham, 22, was assessed a three-year term of probation for theft of a credit or debit card in Independence County, Ark., in January. Arkansas law requires that anyone convicted of a felony submit a sample of their DNA to be included in the state’s DNA database.

Cheatham, whose hometown is listed as Batesville, Ark., a town in Independence County, was arrested by authorities in Miller County for a rape that occurred July 26, 2013 at the Twilight Motel in Texarkana, Ark. Miller County prosecutors say a woman in her sixties was attacked in her room by a man who entered through a window in the night.

Evidence, including a male DNA profile, was collected from the victim and her bedding. According to police Cheatham’s DNA is a match.

Texarkana, Ark., police arrested Cheatham Sept. 23.

Cheatham is currently being held in the Miller County jail. Bail is set at $50,000. He is set to appear before Circuit Judge Kirk Johnson in November.

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