Manhattan Heights case: Trial begins for man charged with 3 counts of sexual assault

Arturo Valtierra-Payan, center, listens to the first day of testimonay Monday in the 243rd District Court. Valtierra-Payan is charged in a series of sexual assaults that occurred in the Manhattan Heights neighborhood last year. (RUBEN R RAMIREZ EL PASO TIMES)

Replay Twitter updates: Trial for accused Manhattan Heights predator

DNA evidence connecting a man charged with a series of sexual assaults last year in the Manhattan Heights neighborhood to one of the victims was presented Monday at the start of his trial.

Arturo Valtierra-Payan's trial began Monday in the 243rd District Court. Valtierra-Payan, 26, is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault and one of count each of burglary of habitation and aggravated robbery in the case.

Prosecutors opened the trial detailing the night of June 26, 2013 when Valtierra-Payan allegedly broke into a home in the Manhattan Heights neighborhood. According to an opening statement by state prosecutor Penny Hamilton and testimony from law enforcement officers, Valtierra-Payan allegedly attempted to get into the home through a window at about 1 a.m.

Valtierra-Payan then allegedly broken down the front door and attempted to rape the woman who lived in the home, Hamilton told jurors. According to multiple law enforcement officers from the El Paso Police Department, all of whom identified Valtierra-Payan as the suspect, a struggle between the woman and the defendant occurred.

Valtierra-Payan allegedly threw the woman to the ground, pulled down her shorts and raped her, according to testimony. The defendant then allegedly went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and demanded jewelry and money from the victim.

Valtierra-Payan allegedly left the house with jewelry and a debt card belonging to the victim.

The victim suffered cuts, a swollen lip, a black eye, scratches and bruises in the attack, medical experts and law enforcement officials testified. The El Paso Times does not identify victims of sexual assault.

Arturo Valtierra-Payan, 26, is seen Monday in the 243rd District Court. Valtierra-Payan is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault and one count each of burglary of habitation and aggravated robbery. (RUBEN R RAMIREZ EL PASO TIMES)

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Manhattan Heights case: Trial begins for man charged with 3 counts of sexual assault