ST. LOUIS, MO (October 25, 2024) — A jury found Otoniel Gomez, 42, guilty of rape, kidnapping and two counts of assault on January 6, 2023, in 600 block of Clara Avenue in the City’s DeBaliviere Place neighborhood.

Gomez met his 36-year-old victim on Facebook and the two had been corresponding for several weeks before arranging to meet in person. He invited her to his apartment to watch a movie and told her he would teach her how to make salsa. After arriving at his apartment, the victim began feeling weak and nauseated after drinking a beverage given to her by Gomez. Gomez then assaulted and raped her and strangled her until she passed out. After she regained consciousness, Gomez refused to let her leave. She was eventually able to call a friend who helped her escape. 

The case was prosecuted by Domestic Violence/Special Victim Unit Team Leader Jeremy Crowley and Assistant Circuit Attorney Sherry Wolk.



“This was a horrific assault and a challenging case to try,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.  “The courage of the victim, with the support of our team of victim advocates, was essential in bringing her attacker to justice.”  

Gomez is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2024. His case number is 2322-CR00261-01.

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