Serial Killer Altemio Sanchez AKA "The Bike Path Rapist." - True Crime Documentary

Serial Killer Altemio Sanchez AKA "The Bike Path Rapist"Altemio Sanchez, known as The Bike Path Rapist, terrorized western New York for over two decades. Operating primarily in the Buffalo area, he was responsible for multiple sexual assaults and at least three confirmed murders between the 1980s and early 2000s.

For years, Sanchez eluded authorities despite a growing body of DNA evidence. It wasn’t until 2007 that forensic genealogy and investigative breakthroughs led to his arrest. He eventually pleaded guilty to the murders of Linda Yalem, Majane Mazur, and Joan Diver, as well as numerous rapes.

His double life shocked those who knew him—Sanchez was a family man, married with children, and worked as a factory employee. His ability to blend into society while committing horrific crimes made his case particularly chilling.

Altemio Sanchez, also known as the "Bike Path Rapist," terrorized the Buffalo, New York area for over three decades. Here's a breakdown of his horrific crimes:

• The Victims: Sanchez is known to have raped at least 9 to 15 girls and women and murdered three:
• Linda Yalem: A University at Buffalo student, raped and murdered in 1990.
• Majane Mazur: A sex worker, raped and murdered in 1992.
• Joan Diver: A nurse and mother of four, murdered in 2006.
• The Crimes: Sanchez's crimes spanned from 1975 to 2006. He typically attacked his victims near secluded bike paths, hence his nickname. His methods often involved strangulation, and he sometimes raped his victims.
• The Investigation: The case remained unsolved for many years, despite the efforts of investigators. DNA evidence eventually played a crucial role in linking Sanchez to the crimes.
• The Perpetrator: Altemio Sanchez was a seemingly ordinary man, a machinist and factory worker, married with children. He was even involved in his community, coaching his sons' basketball and baseball teams. This facade hid a dark and violent side.
• The Aftermath: Sanchez was arrested in 2007 and confessed to the murders. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison. His arrest led to the release of Anthony Capozzi, an innocent man who had spent 22 years in prison for a rape Sanchez had committed.

This case is particularly disturbing because of the length of time Sanchez was able to commit his crimes and the contrast between his outward appearance and his brutal actions. It highlights the importance of DNA evidence in solving cold cases and the devastating impact of violence on victims and their families.

Altemio Sanchez, Bike Path Rapist, Serial Killer, Buffalo, New York, Linda Yalem, Majane Mazur, Joan Diver, Rape, Murder, Strangling, DNA, Cold Case, Anthony Capozzi, Wrongful Conviction, 1975, 1990, 1992, 2006, Crime, Homicide, Sexual Assault, Justice, Forensic Science, Confession, 75 Years to Life