A Dallas County jury has found 51-year-old David Baez guilty of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, bringing long-awaited justice in a case that remained unresolved for more than two decades.
The case dates back to June 16, 2003, when a nine-year-old boy was sexually assaulted by a stranger. The child managed to escape and immediately told his mother, who called 911. Although the case was filed, Baez evaded capture for years and the investigation went cold.
In 2016, the sexual assault kit was tested, but no DNA profile was developed at that time. The case gained new momentum in 2025 after Baez was finally apprehended. Investigators conducted additional forensic testing on clothing, which directly linked the victim to Baez and provided the crucial evidence needed to move forward.
At trial, the now-adult victim delivered emotional and powerful testimony. The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict. After just 10 minutes of additional deliberation, jurors sentenced Baez to 35 years in prison.
The case was prosecuted by lead prosecutor Klarissa Diaz, with Haley Pratt serving as second chair. Appellate support was provided by Jaclyn O’Connor and Jessie Allen. The prosecution team was supported by DA investigators Ann Barnes, Jonathan Wakefield, and Abigail Cruz, along with victim advocates ShaLisa Carrier and Mackenzie Kile. The investigation was conducted by the Dallas Police Department in partnership with the Dallas County District Attorney’s SAKI/Cold Case Unit.
Baez is also an undocumented immigrant and faces an additional charge related to illegal entry, which is being handled separately by federal authorities.
Prosecutors credited the victim’s courage, advances in forensic investigation, and sustained work by investigators for finally bringing accountability in a case that spanned more than 22 years.
