Early Release Leads To Triple Murder, Kidnapping, Rape And Torture

A non-violent offender was arrested on charges of kidnapping, rape and torture of a 16-year old girl late March. She was able to escape naked from the back of a rented U-Haul truck, despite being duct taped, while the suspect was attempting to light her on fire after Ranson had doused her with gasoline.

The information, which was withheld until just yesterday due to the pending investigation, detailed that Robert L. Ranson had been released as a non-violent offender in June, 2013. The offense which he was serving was for possession of a firearm by a felon. Ranson had previously served time for two carjackings and an assault with a firearm, prison officials said.

Now the investigation has turned to indicate the suspect is also implicated in the recent murder of three other victims. 

On March 2nd the body of a 19-year-old woman was found near 93rd St. and Grand Ave. She had been tied-up and set on fire.

On March 5th, 28-year-old Grisella Yauli and her 1-year-old son were found dead after a house fire on E. 50th St. Yauli had been tied up and her mouth was taped shut.

In recent appeal by the State of California, the California State Supreme Court in October 2013 ordered the state to reduce its prison population, and many non-violent offenders were released to be supervised by probation officials. However this felon's early release was well in advance of that order.

April is Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and 'Jeans Day' is April 23rd. Jeans Day was brought about 15 years ago due to an Italian Court ruling that a rape victim wore jeans so tight that her attacker could not have removed them without her aid or consent.