Despite no DNA, Brown is prime suspect

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Thursday afternoon Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo decided to update the public on where investigators are in the stabbing death of Esme Barrera, 29.

Autopsy reports for the suspect in Esme Barrera's murder , James Loren Brown, 25, were released Wednesday, prompting the chief to speak out.

Authorities found James Loren Brown with a plastic bag over his head, secured with packing tape. His hands were handcuffed behind his back, according to officials.

A suicide note was also found at the scene.

Barrera was found stabbed inside her King Street home New Year's Day.

"We have been scouring over financial record, computer records and cell phone records," explained Acevedo.

Still, closing the case is proving difficult.  Police confirm they have no DNA linking Brown to Barrera's homicide .  Brown, however, remains a prime suspect.

"You know, we have a lot of shows out there, all over the country.  You all know the different titles, CSI, and I do not want people to think just because we have not found DNA evidence does not mean he is not the suspect," Acevedo said.

Brown, however, has been connected to seven other attacks on women.  DNA links him to five of those attacks.  In the other two cases, the victims  identified Brown as their attacker in a photo lineup.  One of those women, according to police, awoke to Brown standing over her bed inside her 31st Street home just hours after Esme's death.

"As to motive right now, we are not going to talk motive until we complete our investigation," Acevedo said.

The Chief also delved into the hypothetical--would police have enough evidence to charge Brown if he were alive?

"If I went to any district attorney or any prosecutor, some prosecutors would say, 'Absolutely, you have enough to bring him in.'   Some would say, 'You are almost there.'  But, not one would say, 'This is not the suspect.'"

Acevedo concluded by telling media his detectives would keep digging until they had enough evidence to prove  beyond a reasonable doubt that Brown killed Esme.