A man known infamously as the “Rideshare Rapist” has received a life sentence for a series of disturbing kidnappings and sexual assaults in San Francisco.
The District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins, revealed that Orlando Vilches Lazo, 44, was convicted on 11 felony counts, which included four counts of rape through force or intimidation and kidnapping for the purpose of rape. This predator preyed on young women, specifically those aged 21 or 22, who were waiting for rides outside popular nightclubs in the SoMa and Mission districts.
Now, Vilches Lazo’s future looks bleak, as he faces a sentence ranging from 100 years to life behind bars.
His first known attack dates back to 2013 when he enticed a young woman into his vehicle in the Mission District. After driving her to a desolate area, he raped her. It wasn’t until years later, thanks to the victim’s bravery and subsequent forensic testing, that DNA evidence emerged to link him to the crime.
In 2018, he struck again, targeting three additional women between February and June. In one particularly troubling instance, he deceived a female acquaintance, tricking her into exiting his car before abducting another victim.
“Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s violent,” one victim remarked, recalling the horrifying moment when he held a sharp object to her throat.
Another victim thought she was safe when Vilches Lazo shouted “Uber, Uber” as he pulled up at Howard Avenue and Second Street. Instead, she was taken to a hidden location and attacked. Fortunately, she fought back and managed to escape despite being dragged multiple times, eventually finding bystanders who helped her.
The investigation gained momentum in July 2018 when a specialized team located Vilches Lazo in San Mateo County.
However, the trial was marked by considerable delays and attempts by the defense to dismiss the DNA evidence.
This conviction serves as a stark warning to anyone who believes they can evade justice, Jenkins stated in a press release.
