Sexual Assault Suspect Victimizes 93-year-old Mesa Resident
March 21, 2008
On
March 20, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. the Mesa Police Department arrested
28-year-old Mesa resident Peter Cupis, Jr. for Sexual Assault,
kidnapping, burglary, and sexual abuse. The crime occurred on
the evening of March 20th in the 500 block of North Robson
between 6:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Upon first glance, the serious
nature of the crimes are very apparent. What makes the crime
even more heinous is the fact that the victim is a 93-year-old
Mesa resident who was home alone at the time.
Investigators believe that on the listed date at approximately
6:00 p.m., Cupis gained entry into the victim's residence
through a side door. The victim heard the noise at the door and
went to investigate. Cupis gained entry and immediately attacked
the victim. During the attack he is believed to have sexually
assaulted and abused the victim. At one point during the attack
the victim was able to activate her medical alert bracelet. The
victim's family immediately responded to the residence and found
the suspect inside. A family member prevented Cupis from leaving
the residence.
The police were immediately notified and responded to the scene.
Cupis was taken into police custody without further incident.
During a post-Miranda interview Cupis stated that he was trying
to help the victim after he saw her walking outside of her
residence. He denied the assault. Investigators gathered
evidence to support that an attack did in fact occur and that
Cupis was the perpetrator. The victim sustained various physical
injuries during the struggle and received medical treatment.
Cupis was booked on 2 counts of Sexual Assault, 1 count of
Kidnapping to Commit a Sexual Offense, 1 count of Burglary and 1
count of Sexual Abuse. Investigators have requested that Cupis
be held without bond due to the violent nature of the offense
and the fact that he lives in the same neighborhood as the
victim.