San Diego suspect in sex attacks hangs himself in jail cell

A suspect in a string of home invasions and sexual assaults was found dead in his jail cell this morning in downtown San Diego.

Thomas James Parker, 39, was arrested Wednesday in an alleged attack on a woman in Mission Valley. Through DNA evidence, he was linked to six other home invasions and sexual assaults in the last 14 months, officials said.

Parker, owner of the It's A Grind Coffee House in the Little Italy section of San Diego, had apparently hanged himself. He was in a cell by himself and was found dead when a jail guard checked on him at 7 a.m.

In all seven incidents, the attacker used a knife to threaten the women as they entered their homes. On Wednesday, the would-be victim fought off the attack and then chased her attacker through the streets before off-duty Border Patrol agents made an arrest.

Parker was married and had two young children.

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Comments

[candy]

Nice that he saved the taxpayers money and the victims from having to testify. But it is Very sad for this man's wife, kids and employees. I am sure they had no idea what he was up too. A friend of mine lives near them had kids who played little league with this guys kids. they can't believe and told me he was one of the nicest guys and a devoted father. Wonder what set this sociopath off---

[patilee]

Killing himself may have been the cowards way out, but it saved his victims, including his wife and children, from going through a trial. That would have been further devastation to their lives.

[BDiego]

Thank God this man was caught. It's also sickening there are even a few people rushing to defend him and excuse or explain his wicked and sadistic actions. Shame on you.

As for his suicide, that's his personal choice and between him and God.

[Kevin]

I went to school with this guy in Oregon, played baseball with him too. NEVER would have guessed and kind of freaked out about it. He came from a good family and had a good family of his own. Kind of makes me loose some faith in the human spirit. He seemed like such a normal standup guy.

Kevin

[brenda]

I grew up with jimmy and his younger brother Johnny. We were the best of friends. Jim was a great guy and it blows my mind to think he did anything like this. I really feel for his family and the victims. still makes know sense to us here in a little town of Grants Pass

[John]

Nobody is defending Jim's actions, Bdiego. If you knew him, you would be shocked to discover he was capable of doing something like this. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known. I am not sure what to make of that now that he has committed these horrible crimes. The public only knows him as a serial rapist sociopath, but many people, myself included, know him as a wonderful family man and friend. I still can't believe its true as I sit hear and type these words a week later. I pray for your soul, Jim

[B]

I worked for Jim for 2 years and cannot sleep because I am in disbelief and shock. I have to believe that something happened to change him. He was not the person I knew. How does someone live 37 years as a stand up guy and begin sexually assaulting women? Everyone who never met him can say it was probably was there the whole time and we are all naive to not see it. Maybe you're correct..... But you don't know. My prayers are with his wife and children. When I think about their "shoes" I am sure that I only feel 1,000th of their pain. And his brother, who I know and will spare his name. I am so sorry, for all of you.