NY rape suspect eyed in 2002 West Virginia killing

NEW YORK (AP) — State police in West Virginia say the man accused of raping a woman in Central Park was also eyed in the 2002 killing of a woman there.

State Police Sgt. C.F. Kane of the Welch detachment in McDowell County confirmed Friday that investigators considered Mitchell a “person of interest” in the disappearance of Barbara Flake, who was last seen in 2002. Her remains were discovered in 2004, and the case was then classified as a homicide.

Kane says there was never enough information or probable cause to make an arrest in the case.

Mitchell was charged Thursday with rape and assault in New York City and is being held without bail.

Kane referred additional questions about the case to the lead investigator, who didn’t immediately return a message relayed through a detachment secretary.