NEW YORK – An ex-convict whose violent history terrified his West Virginia hometown has admitted he sexually assaulted a 74-year-old birdwatcher in New York's Central Park.
David Albert Mitchell pleaded guilty Tuesday to rape and robbery. He is expected to get at least 25 years in prison at his Oct. 16 sentencing.
The attack occurred in September 2012. Authorities said the birder had previously photographed Mitchell exposing himself in the park.
Mitchell comes from Jenkinjones, W.Va. His felony arrest record began at 18.
He was acquitted of raping and killing an 86-year-old woman, then charged with raping a woman in her 70s. That sexual assault charge was dropped in a plea bargain.
He was suspected but never arrested in another woman's death, then went to prison in the abduction of his ex-girlfriend.
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