The trial for serial rape in a case that has not yet been completed has been aborted. The assault charge against six women is not disputed

Today, Edward Duran entered a no-contest plea to 15 counts of first-degree sexual penetration, each involving incidents of great bodily harm and mental anguish affecting six people. Some of these crimes occurred more than three decades ago. Using forensic genealogy testing, investigators and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Cold Case Rape Unit, also known as SAKI, linked Duran’s DNA to the crimes.

In each case, Duran forced his way into the victims’ homes, brandished a knife and committed sexual assaults. Duran didn’t know any of the victims.

During the actual day of the trial, Duran abandoned the proceedings and claimed not to deny the crimes, just as one of his victims was set to testify in court.

Duran could potentially face a maximum sentence of 270 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

said Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman “We hope this brings a sense of closure and justice to these women who survived these horrific crimes that changed their lives forever. I am so proud of our prosecutors for continuing to do their jobs.”

Senior trial attorney Jack Jacks emphasized the importance of the SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) unit. Jacks explained “The Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) division is very important to this community. Now we are able to use genetic testing to fight for justice for these victims who will not be forgotten.”

Additionally, retired prosecutor Lisa Trabaudo returned to help prosecute these unsolved cases and advance the pursuit of justice for sexual assault survivors.