A DNA sample taken this week from slaying suspect Antonio Rodriguez matches DNA found on the bodies of three women strangled in Kensington late last year, police said.
Rodriguez, 22, of North Philadelphia, was charged Wednesday with three counts of murder, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and abuse of a corpse. Police said they expected him to be arraigned Wednesday night.
Police sources said Rodriguez confessed to killing Elaine Goldberg, Nicole Piacentini, and Casey Mahoney. All had struggled with drug addiction and were slain in deserted areas.
Philadelphia police were still investigating whether Rodriguez may have attacked several other women in Kensington in recent months, Lt. Raymond Evers said. Two women told police that they were choked to the point of unconsciousness and then sexually assaulted, and a third reported that she had been hit in the head.
