RENO, Nev. – Prosecutors in Reno say they're considering additional charges against a man accused of killing a college woman and sexually assaulting another.
James Michael Biela, 27, was arrested last week. He's charged with murder in the killing of 19-year-old Brianna Denison. He's also charged with kidnapping and sexual assault of another woman near the University of Nevada, Reno.
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Authorities early in the investigation described the suspect as a serial rapist, and said he may have been involved in at least two other sexual assaults in the Reno area.
"We anticipate filing an amended complaint in the near future," Deputy District Attorney Elliott Sattler said Tuesday. Sattler is prosecuting the case with District Attorney Richard Gammick, who said his office has not decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Investigators said DNA evidence linked Biela to Denison's death and the Dec. 16 rape and abduction of a student from outside her apartment.
Denison was sleeping on a couch at a friend's rented home near the UNR campus when authorities say she was kidnapped Jan. 20. Her body was found Feb. 15 in a brush-covered lot in south Reno. An autopsy showed she was sexually assaulted and strangled.
Biela's preliminary hearing in Reno Justice Court is set for Dec. 10, but Gammick said he expects Biela's public defender to seek a continuance.
Public Defender Jeremy Bosler said his office is still receiving reports and witness statements and has not decided whether to ask for a postponement.
Biela's lead defense lawyer is Richard Davies.
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