Warrant: DNA could solve rape of Raleigh 12 year old

RALEIGH, N.C.

The attack - which happened in a quiet neighborhood off Six Forks Road in 2000 - shocked the community at the time.

Prosecutors say DNA evidence left at the crime scene matched 32-year-old Angel Spencer while he was in a New York jail 7 years after the North Carolina rape. After serving his sentence there, Spencer was brought back to Raleigh.

But at a trial more than a year ago, a jury was unable to reach a verdict. Now, a search warrant shows prosecutors have gotten a judge's permission to take a new DNA sample from Spencer in an attempt to match him to the Raleigh case.

Prosecutors say they hope to put Spencer on trial a second time this summer.

Neighbors who live near the victim - and remember the case - say they're happy about the arrest, but are saddened she will have to testify a second time.

"I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to be in her shoes.  Maybe having it resolved would give her some feeling of being able to move on," offered Joannie Robinson.

Prosecutors told ABC11 Thursday they're grateful for the victim's cooperation, which they say could protect a future victim.

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