Sex assault suspect in stabbing nabbed

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A suspect has been arrested in connection to what police called a brutal sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl after she was picked up at an Austin bus stop and then later stabbed multiple times.

Willie Griffin, 46, is in custody in Pensacola, Fla.

Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler says, "I'm here to report the victim's doing well, she has been working closely with our investigators and we were able to get a composite sketch, and additional information from her concerning this terrible attack."

Described by investigators as having violent tendencies, Griffin was on parole after serving 19 years for burglary when the incident happened in mid-March.

Investigators said Griffin pulled up to the teenager at the bus stop at 51st Street and Manor Road, lured her to his white SUV and then drove her 40 miles from Austin to a remote area near Dripping Springs.

There, police said he sexually assaulted her and then stabbed her several times in the chest when he became afraid she would be able to identify him. He allegedly left her for dead off U.S. Highway 290 near the Hays-Blanco County line.

The girl was able to flag down a car for help and was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge for surgery. She is out of the hospital and has recovered.

The teenager was able to provide a good description for a forensic artist with the Texas Rangers. Detective Mark Opiela says, "It's a true credit to her, after going through a traumatic experience like that to be able to remember and recall details as well as she did."

Hays County investigators released a composite sketch in late March, which, with the help of Crime Stopper tips, led to Griffin's arrest.

"She gave us accurate, detailed information that led to an excellent composite drawing that helped the investigation," said Detective  Opiela.

Griffin is charged with attempted capital murder and aggravated kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.

Authorities are now working on bringing Griffin back to Texas.