CARRILLO SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR VIOLENT SEXUAL BATTERY CASE

(Hernando County, FL) After more than a decade in the relentless pursuit of justice, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce a significant update in a Hernando County sexual battery cold case.

Yesterday, 45-year-old Andy Raul Carrillo was found guilty and sentenced to Life in prison for his heinous crime and predatory actions on July 11, 2011.

“This conviction sends a clear message that perpetrators of such despicable acts will face the full force of the law, regardless of how much time has passed,” stated Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Our office commends the courage and resilience of the survivors who bravely testified to ensure that Carrillo was held accountable for his crimes.”

The case, which remained unsolved for nearly nine years, was finally cracked thanks to a DNA hit in 2020. The victim, who had left a party walking home, was offered a ride by Carrillo, whom she did not know. Instead of ensuring her safe return, Carrillo subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, leaving her battered and sexually assaulted on the side of the road. The victim’s injuries were so severe that she was airlifted to a trauma center for medical treatment.

The breakthrough in the case came when Carrillo’s DNA was entered into CODIS after another aggravated sexual battery that occurred in Tampa just 30 days after the attack in Hernando County. Matching DNA recovered from the victim's sexual assault exam revealed a chilling pattern, linking Carrillo to both cases.

Despite the challenges posed by the passage of time, diligent detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively to piece together the evidence. Both cases shared striking similarities, with victims being targeted while walking alone late at night, subjected to brutal assaults, and left in isolated areas.

Carrillo's attempts to evade accountability were futile as overwhelming evidence, including testimony from the victims, detectives, medical professionals, and other witnesses, ensured that justice was served. Despite the absence of some key figures from the original investigation, the collective effort of law enforcement agencies and dedicated professionals led to a successful prosecution.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office extends its gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful resolution of this case, including the law enforcement agencies, medical professionals, witnesses, and courageous survivors.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Angelina Rodeo.

 

Published on 03/08/2024.