Suspect arrested in South Los Angeles teen kidnap, rape

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A suspect has been arrested for the kidnap and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, who was found fleeing naked in South Los Angeles. Detectives believe he may be connected to other homicides.

Robert Ransom appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, but his case was postponed to May 22. The Los Angeles resident was arrested on March 27 at 2:30 a.m. on a probation violation. Then on April 3, charges were filed in connection to an attack on a teen on her way home from Fremont High School on March 20.

Ransom allegedly walked up to the girl with a knife and forced her into his van. The girl was able to escape at some point, and she was seen running naked from an alley with her hands tied and mouth taped shut. A witness also told Eyewitness News that the victim had been soaked in gasoline.

The 30-year-old is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, rape, kidnapping and robbery. He remains in custody without bail.

Ransom's girlfriend, 29-year-old Juliana Tobar of Los Angeles, was also arrested on robbery charges on April 10. Her bail was set at $50,000.

Investigators are looking to see if Ransom is connected to three other murders that are very similar. On March 5, 28-year-old Gisela Youle and her 1-year-old son were found dead. They were set on fire in a home on East 50th Street. Officials say Youle had been tied up and her mouth was covered by tape. There was another women found dead in the area at around the same time; she was also tied up and burned.

"They're looking at all of those cases, where burning and any type of flammable liquid was utilized," said LAPD Lt. Andy Neiman.