Jury convicts St. Louis man of drugging, raping woman he’d met online
A St. Louis jury convicted a man last Friday of drugging and raping a woman at his apartment in the city’s DeBaliviere Place neighborhood.
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis jury convicted a man last Friday of drugging and raping a woman at his apartment in the city’s DeBaliviere Place neighborhood.
According to police and prosecutors, the crime occurred on Jan. 6, 2023, in the 600 block of Clara Avenue.
Investigators said Otoniel Gomez, 42, met 36-year-old victim on Facebook and the two corresponded for several weeks before making plans to meet in person.
Gomez invited the victim to his apartment to watch a movie. He also told the victim he’d teach her how to make salsa.
Police said Gomez gave the woman a drink, making her feel weak and nauseated. Gomez then assaulted, raped, and strangled the victim until she passed out.
When the victim woke up, Gomez refused to let her leave. She was able to call a friend who helped her escape Gomez’s apartment.
Gomez was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, and two counts of third-degree assault. He’ll be sentenced on Dec. 11.
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