PHOENIX (By William Hermann, Arizona Republic) August 1, 2006 — Phoenix police now have a better physical description of the "Baseline Killer," narrowing in on the age, height and weight of the man who they believe has been on a yearlong rampage of sexual assault, robbery and murder.

And the lead detective in the case had a pointed character description.

"This person is a coward," Detective Alex Femenia said. "All his victims are very vulnerable. He is also very violent, and it doesn't take much to set him off. He is a cold-blooded killer."

Femenia also had a message for the attacker, who he believes may be following news accounts of the crimes: "I would like to have him call me."

The Baseline Killer is linked to eight homicides. He continues to elude police, but authorities hope a better description gleaned from interviews with victims, including one recent victim of an assault, may help them in their hunt.

Police now believe the killer is a "dark-skinned person of color," between 25 and 30 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, about 170 pounds with a thin to medium build. He also wears various hats and a long-sleeved shirt and may now have short hair, Sgt. Andy Hill said. While police have a better physical description, they still lack specifics to update the composite sketch, which has been unchanged since September.

The previous description identified the killer as a light-skinned African-American who was as old as 40 years, was between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall and could weigh up to 200 pounds.

The killer was deemed younger than first thought because of the speed with which he attacks, police said.

Hill also said the killer may in one crime wear a fisherman's hat and in other crimes wear a baseball hat on backward or a beanie.

Femenia said the new description should help people who may have seen, or who may see, the killer. He also said investigators believe the previous description of the suspect as African-American was possibly inaccurate and perhaps even unfair.

"We have a predator out there, but we also have a lot of good citizens and we want to be careful," Femenia said. "We don't want every Black male to be stopped by a police officer."

The Baseline Killer has been linked to crimes that date to Aug. 6, when he is believed to have sexually assaulted two teenage girls. Since then, there have been more than 40 victims. Eight have been killed. His latest victim was abducted from a carwash June 29 and killed.

Police have been unable to get many details on what the killer looks like. Most of the crimes occurred in the dark.

To report a tip, call Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS or 1-800-343-TIPS.

Femenia can be reached at the violent crimes bureau: (602) 262-6141.