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Last updated on Friday, October 28, 2016
(BLOOMINGTON) - The Indiana University Police Department today submitted a Probable Cause Affidavit seeking charges of Rape (B Felony), Criminal Confinement (C Felony), Criminal Deviate Conduct (B Felony), Battery (D Felony), and Theft (D Felony) against Daniel E. Messel.
The charges are a result of an investigation stemming from a crime reported to IU Police in Bloomington on Sept. 1, 2012.
Messel was convicted of murdering IU student Hannah Wilson in 2015. Prompted by details revealed during Messel's trial, the victim in the 2012 case contacted police in August to discuss similarities in the cases. Investigators were able to connect Messel to the 2012 attack through DNA evidence.
IUPD detectives have been reviewing all reports of similar crimes over the past several years. Because sexual assaults are so often unreported, IUPD officers encourage anyone who experienced a similar attack to call their local law enforcement agency. IUPD can be contacted at 812-855-4111.
The 2012 attack occurred during the early morning hours. The victim, who at the time was a 22-year-old IU student, had been socializing at a local establishment that evening. At some point, the victim came into contact with a male suspect whom she did not know. The suspect drove her against her will to a secluded parking lot near Griffy Lake, where she was beaten and sexually assaulted. The suspect left the victim in the secluded parking lot and fled the scene in a vehicle, taking many of the victim's belongings with him.
The victim managed to walk to a nearby home, where she asked for assistance. The homeowner called police. The victim was transported to the hospital, and IUPD detectives recovered evidence from the victim and the crime scene. The victim was unable to recall specific details of the crime and could not provide a description of the suspect or his vehicle.
A DNA profile recovered from evidence in this case is consistent with the DNA profile of Messel. IUPD Detective Garth Vanleeuwen traveled to the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City in an attempt to speak to Messel regarding the findings of the investigation. Messel did not provide a statement.
IU encourages anyone who has experienced a sexual assault or violence to report to one of the following:
IUPD: 812-855-4111 or 911
The Office of Student Ethics: 812-855-5419
University Title IX Coordinator: 812-855-4889
Online here: http://stopsexualviolence.iu.edu/report/bloomington.html
Students are also encouraged to contact the Confidential Victim Advocates on campus at 812-856-2469 for assistance with reporting and resources. For specific reporting options and contact information, go to stopsexualviolence.iu.edu.
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