After More Than 2 Decades – East Valley Serial Rapist In-Custody

The Mesa Police Department, using DNA technology, identified and arrested the East Valley Rapist, 22 years after his first known offense. The man is identified as 57-year-old John Daly III, a recently retired Border Patrol Agent. 

Between July 1999 - October 2001, Mesa Police investigated a series of sexual assaults that occurred in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Bisbee. The eight cases were connected by similar suspect behavior and three of the cases (Mesa, Gilbert, and Bisbee) were matched by DNA. No viable leads were developed at that time. 

With the utilization of SAKI (Sexual Assault Kit Initiative) funding, in February 2021, investigative efforts produced the name of John Daly III. A history check showed that John had residency near each of the sexual assaults at the time they occurred. 

In April 2021, DNA linked Daly to two of the sexual assaults; one Mesa and one Gilbert case. 

Officers from Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Bisbee Police Departments investigated these cases jointly, making connections, conducting interviews, and collecting evidence. The FBI assisted in recent months by providing analytical, investigative, and support resources. Border Patrol cooperated and supported this investigation. 

In conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force and multiple other agencies, Daly was taken into custody in Sierra Vista, AZ on May 4, 2021. Daly was booked for charges related to three of the eight cases. Bisbee Police Department will submit charges for their case and the other four cases require additional investigative efforts prior to charging. 

We are grateful for the partnerships and want to thank all the agencies for working together in this investigation, including the Gilbert, Chandler, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista Police Departments, FBI Phoenix Field Office including the Sierra Vista Resident Agency, U.S. Marshals Arizona WANTED Violent Offender Task Force, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. 

We are excited to make this announcement and hope that this brings some closure to the many victims affected by John Daly III. 

If you or someone you know may have additional information regarding John Daly III, please call the Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2211. 

CASE SYNOPSIS 

November 25, 1999 6:10 a.m. 

Harris/ Baseline Mesa, AZ 

21yo Female 

Entered through unlocked front door. 

Blindfolded the victim. Committed Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, and Sexual Abuse. 

October 19, 1999 6:00 a.m. 

Houston/ Cooper Gilbert, AZ 

32yo Female 

Entered through open bathroom window. 

Blindfolded the victim. Committed Kidnapping, Burglary, and Sexual Abuse. 

November 3, 2000 Between 2:30- 4:15 a.m. 

Greenfield/ Elliot Gilbert, AZ 

35yo Female 

Entered through broken window. 

Blindfolded the victim. Committed Sexual Assault, Kidnapping, Burglary, and Sexual Abuse. 

John Daly III was booked into the Cochise County Jail for the following charges: 

4 counts ARS 13-1406- Sexual Assault, a class 2 felony 

3 counts ARS 13-1304A3- Kidnapping, a class 2 felony 

3 counts ARS 13-1507A- Burglary, a class 3 felony 

3 counts ARS 13-1404A- Sexual Abuse, a class 5 felony

John Daly III

John Daly III