Kensington Strangler suspect in custody

UPDATE, 6:45 p.m.: Police just announced that they have taken into custody Antonio Rodriguez, identified tonight as the Kensington Strangler. Rodriguez was picked up in a home on Mutter Street near Westmoreland in Kensington.

Police said they received a tip about his whereabouts just a few moments after a press conference announcing he was a suspect.

UPDATE, 6 p.m.: Homicide Capt. James Clark just announced that police have linked a 21-year-old man to the sexual assaults and murder of three women in Kensington through DNA evidence.

Clark identified the "strong person of interest" as Antonio Rodriguez, 22, whose last known address is 3400 North Mascher Street. He is described as 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, with a large scar from his left ear to the middle of his throat. He has the name Kiera tattoed on his left arm and "Scorpio" on his right arm.

"Through DNA we linked the three murders and sexual assaults," Clark said. The DNA link came from the Pennsylvania State Police's convicted felon database, Clark said.

Clark asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Homicide detectives at 215-686-3334, or 3335.

Clark said the man is homeless and frequenting abandoned houses in the Kensington area and that police don't believe anyone is helping the man out. He said Rodriguez speaks fluent Spanish and goes by the nickname of "Black" in the neighborhood.

"We need to catch this person and get him off the streets now," Mayor Nutter said in a statement. "We know who you are and we're for looking you. It's not if, it's when."

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