Matthew Muller, already incarcerated for the infamous "Gone Girl" kidnapping and sexual assault case, now faces charges for two additional home invasion sexual assaults from 2009, according to prosecutors. The new charges involve two separate incidents, further revealing a pattern of violent crimes.
Prosecutors allege that in September 2009, Muller broke into a Mountain View residence, attacking the female occupant. He reportedly bound her, forced her to consume medication, and threatened rape before leaving, advising her to acquire a dog for protection. This disturbing pattern would be repeated in a subsequent incident.
The following month, a similar home invasion occurred in Palo Alto, where Muller allegedly bound and gagged another woman, forcing her to ingest Nyquil. Although the assault began, this victim was also able to convince Muller to stop. These previously unsolved cases have resurfaced due to new DNA evidence.
Following a reinvestigation, investigators discovered Muller's DNA on straps used to restrain one of the victims, providing key forensic evidence linking him to these decade-old crimes. The discovery has brought closure to two more victims of Muller’s actions.
"The details of this person’s violent crime spree seem scripted for Hollywood, but they are tragically real," District Attorney Jeff Rosen stated. He emphasized that the priority is ensuring Muller is held accountable and can no longer endanger the community.
Muller previously pleaded guilty in the 2015 abduction and assault of Denise Huskins, a case that gained notoriety for its parallels to the movie "Gone Girl." Huskins' disappearance and the subsequent skepticism surrounding her claims garnered national attention.
Initially, the police suspected Huskins and her boyfriend, Aaron Quinn, of fabricating the kidnapping. However, evidence later emerged proving their story true, revealing Muller as the perpetrator. The bizarre circumstances and initial disbelief led to a widespread mischaracterization of the events.
Muller was ultimately linked to the kidnapping after his arrest in an unrelated robbery, and a subsequent investigation found evidence connecting him to Huskins' abduction and assaults. This shocking revelation turned public perception of the case completely.
Authorities uncovered that Muller had used a drone to surveil the couple before breaking into their home, blindfolding them, and subjecting them to a series of traumatizing events. He transported Huskins to his residence, where he recorded himself sexually assaulting her. The investigation revealed a disturbing level of planning and execution in his crimes.
