x
Breaking News
More () »

Evidence links Hania Aguilar’s suspected killer to overlooked 2016 rape case

The News & Observer reports Robeson County District Attorney Johnson Britt said Tuesday that an investigation into the DNA linking Michael Ray McLellan to the 2016 rape "fell through the cracks."

LUMBERTON, N.C. -- A North Carolina district attorney says authorities last year didn't investigate DNA evidence linking a 2016 rape to a man accused in the recent slaying of a teenage girl.

The News & Observer reports Robeson County District Attorney Johnson Britt said Tuesday that an investigation into the DNA linking Michael Ray McLellan to the 2016 rape "fell through the cracks."

Related: Father Of Murdered Hania Aguilar Denied Visa To Attend Daughter's Funeral

McLellan is charged with raping and killing 13-year-old Hania Noelia Aguilar, who was kidnapped from outside her Lumberton home in November. Her body was found weeks later.

Investigators said Monday that DNA was essential in linking McLellan to Hania's death. Britt says that DNA was matched to DNA evidence already linked to a 2016 rape in which a man broke into a woman's home and raped her at knifepoint.

Related: Arrest Made In Kidnapping And Murder Of Hania Aguilar

Related: ‘We Are All Heartbroken,’ Body Of 13-Year-Old, Hania Aguilar Found In Water: FBI

Related: Family Of North Carolina Teen Found Dead Gets New Home

►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10News app now.

Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Before You Leave, Check This Out