Suspect in 4 Valley sexual assault cold cases identified through DNA testing

PHOENIX – A suspect in four Valley sexual assault cold cases from two decades ago has been identified through DNA testing, authorities announced Wednesday.

Dat Vu, 45, was arrested and indicted last month on the following seven felony charges, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO):

• Two counts of sexual assault.
• Two counts of sexual conduct with a minor.
• One count of kidnapping.
• One count of attempt to commit sexual conduct with a minor.
• One count of sexual abuse.

The charges are related to four incidents in Phoenix and Glendale between 2000 and 2005. The victims were between 13 and 17 years old at the time.

How was suspect identified in sexual assault cold cases?

DNA testing on sexual assault kits helped investigators identify Vu as a suspect, prosecutors said.

The testing was paid for with funds from the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) grant program. MCAO received $6.3 million dollars in SAKI grants between 2016 and 2021 and another $2.5 million in December 2024.

MCAO uses the funding to conduct testing and provide other investigative support in sexual assault cold cases.

“SAKI grants help us take a crucial step toward closure by providing the resources necessary to process sexual assault kits,” Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a press release. “It’s not only about solving these cases but restoring hope and giving victims the long-overdue justice they deserve.”

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