The Miami-Dade Police Department is reporting that they have arrested a man who reportedly kidnapped, raped, and then shot a 12-year-old boy before leaving him on the side of the road. 43-year-old Aliex Santiesteban was apprehended around 6:30 p.m. Monday after investigators were able to link him to the crime via DNA. “The DNA evidence, we were able to put the suspect with the victim, so we definitely have DNA evidence that is compelling as well as other physical evidence that we know the subject was in the area,” said Special Victims Bureau Major Brian Rafky.
#UPDATE: Aliex Santiesteban has been identified and placed under arrest. We would like to thank the investigators from our Special Victim Bureau Sexual Crimes Unit and Sexual Predator & Offender Unit, our Forensic Services Bureau & @KathyFndzRundle for their hard work. https://t.co/nUD7CEE9Rk pic.twitter.com/R07GM12Fui
— Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) March 30, 2021
The boy told authorities that he snuck out of the house to hangout with his friends when Santiesteban grabbed him and forced him into the back of a black van. Santiesteban then took the boy to another location where he raped him and shot him. A good Samaritan discovered the child and helped him get to a nearby store where they could call for help. The child was taken to Ryder Trauma Center where he is listed in critical condition. Santiestenban has been charged with armed sexual battery, kidnapping a child under 13 years of age, and attempted felony murder.