Texas Rangers, local authorities identify serial rapist in cold case

AUSTIN - A deceased Smithville man has been identified as a suspect in several rape cases that took place between 1997 and 2005 in Bastrop County. 

Emory Earl McVay, who was 48 at the time of his death in 2010, was believed by law enforcement officials to be the culprit in these cases. The Texas Rangers, Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, Bastrop County District Attorney’s Office and Smithville Police Department worked this investigation.

In August, testing traced the DNA of McVay to rapes that took place in 1997, 2004 and 2005. It was later learned that McVay had been deceased for more than a decade, and no arrests were made. 

Of note, McVay had a lengthy criminal history in Central Texas, which included multiple convictions for burglary. Bode Technologies and members of DPS’ Austin and CODIS Crime Laboratories also contributed to the investigation, which ultimately led to McVay’s identification.

More on this closed case can be seen in future editions of the Elgin Courier.