Monday, July 28, 2008

Sept. 24, 2007: Police respond to Oakcrest Towers Apartments in Forestville for a report of a rape by a masked gunman wearing green gloves and carrying a camera. The victim tells police she's an escort and had arranged to meet a man through Craigslist.

Oct. 10: A similar rape is reported near Capital Crossing Apartments in Suitland.

Jan. 31, 2008: The rapist strikes again, at Top of the Hill Apartments in Temple Hills.

Feb. 19: A nearly identical assault is reported at the Temple Hills location. Police learn that a third victim was raped there Feb. 1.

Feb. 21: Prince George's police publicize the attacks.

February to April: Detectives focus on maintenance men who might have worked at the apartments. They link an Aug. 11, 2007, attack in Temple Hills to the rapist.

May 10: The rapist returns, striking at the Sheraton Washington North Hotel in Beltsville. He uses the same cellphone as in an earlier assault.

May 16: Officers stop a truck leaving the Suitland apartment associated with the cell number. The driver identifies himself as Mark Humphries. That day, a rape occurs at the Red Roof Inn in Oxon Hill.

May 28: Humphries shows up at police headquarters to complain of harassment. Police believe he's fishing to find out what they know.

July 14: The rapist strikes a ninth time at the Econo Lodge Andrews AFB in Clinton. A man resembling Humphries is seen on surveillance footage. Police use the pictures to secure search warrants.

July 17: Police set up a sting at the Comfort Inn & Suites in College Park but Humphries escapes .

July 20: Police obtain an arrest warrant. A search begins, and Humphries begins calling police.

July 23: Police find Humphries in a Hyattsville apartment. After they evacuate the building, he shoots himself and dies that night.