Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced a conviction in a case of ‘stranger rape’ of a college student.

A jury found Eric Todd Bell, 33  guilty of five counts of sexual assault and one count of kidnapping.

The attack occurred in Tempe in October 2021, near the Hyatt House north of University Drive and McAllister Avenue, not far from the Arizona State University campus.. The victim was walking from her apartment to work at about 5:00 a.m. when Bell grabbed her from behind, took her to a nearby location, and assaulted her. The victim did not know Bell, thinking he was a jogger coming up from behind her on the sidewalk.

 

When the assault concluded, Bell told the victim to count to 50 before doing anything – presumably to aid his escape from the scene.

Although the victim believed she had been taken at knife point and threatened with a gun, no weapons were found. Bell’s DNA, however, was discovered on the victim which ultimately led to the convictions.

To further complicate things, the defendant opted to act “pro per,” meaning he represented himself at trial.

“These cases are already challenging enough, even when the defendant has his own lawyer,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “When the defendant is representing himself, my lawyers must work doubly hard to ensure he doesn’t make mistakes that would jeopardize a conviction. I’m particularly proud of this team who took all that into account and still made sure he will go to prison where he belongs.”

Sentencing is set from May 9, 2024. Bell could face more than 25-years in prison.