DNA Evidence Connects Sarasota Man to Multiple Crimes


                                                                                                            NEWS RELEASE 18-208 - DECEMBER 28, 2018
                                                                                                                      18-62909 King

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office charged a 40-year-old Sarasota man in connection with an attempted murder and sexual battery that occurred more than a dozen years ago.

On October 19, 2000, detectives investigated the report of a sexual battery in which the victim was strangled and beaten by an unidentified suspect. Detectives collected evidence from the scene and submitted it to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) who developed a DNA profile. The suspect’s DNA was entered into a national database however, did not provide any match.

On July 20, 2004, detectives investigated the attempted murder of a 39-year-old woman who was attempting to purchase cocaine along Northgate Blvd., in Sarasota. According to the victim, the suspect brandished two knives and threatened to kill her. The suspect then stabbed the victim in the face however she was able to get away. Detectives collected evidence and submitted it to FDLE who developed a DNA profile however, no match occurred.

In 2005, FDLE confirmed, through these DNA profiles, both crimes were committed by the same individual. As officials continued their investigations and DNA technology made headlines, in 2016, the sheriff’s office requested FDLE conduct a familial review of the DNA profile. Based on other local and pending investigations, the request was made in partnership with the Sarasota Police Department and State Attorney’s Office. FDLE soon reported their findings which yielded additional investigative leads for detectives. 

On December 21, detectives executed a search warrant to obtain buccal swabs for Darryl King Jr., DOB 03/08/78, of Sarasota. King is a convicted felon with an extensive history including arrests for Burglary, Loitering and Prowling, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Obstruction, Possession of Cocaine, and more. Detectives submitted his DNA to FDLE and on Thursday, received confirmation that it was a positive match to the DNA samples submitted more than a decade ago. 

Today, King remains in custody at the Sarasota County Jail without bond where he faces a single count of Attempted Murder and a single count of Sexual Battery The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. 

Due to the heinous nature of both crimes, detectives are asking anyone with additional information regarding King’s criminal activity, to contact the Criminal Investigations Section at 941.861.4900.