Phoenix, November 22, 2025
Sergio Reyes has been sentenced to 20 years for the murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell, who was found dead in 2004. After evading justice for nearly two decades, Reyes’ extradition from Mexico in 2024 and the use of advanced DNA profiling techniques led to his identification and subsequent sentencing, bringing closure to the victim’s family and the community.
Phoenix, Arizona
Sergio Reyes Sentenced to 20 Years for 2004 Murder of Phoenix Teen
Sergio Francisco Reyes, 39, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2004 murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in Phoenix. Reyes was extradited from Mexico in July 2024, exactly 20 years after Lasswell’s death. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August 2025, with charges of sexual assault and kidnapping dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
On July 10, 2004, Lasswell was found dead in her bedroom near 23rd Avenue and Thomas Road. An autopsy revealed she died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to her head, and had been sexually assaulted. Witnesses reported seeing Lasswell and a male teen, aged 16 to 19, enter her bedroom and close the door the night before. Despite initial leads, the case went cold until 2012, when Phoenix Police cold case detectives used new DNA profiling techniques to identify Reyes as a suspect. Familial DNA testing confirmed his identity in 2013. Reyes was indicted in 2014, but remained in Mexico until his extradition in 2024.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the dedication of Phoenix Police detectives and prosecutors in seeking justice for Lasswell and her family, stating that the defendant’s attempts to evade justice were unsuccessful.
Background on the Case
Elena Lasswell was a 15-year-old girl from Phoenix who was found murdered in her home on July 10, 2004. The case remained unsolved for nearly two decades until advancements in DNA technology led investigators to Reyes. His extradition and subsequent sentencing have provided closure to Lasswell’s family and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Sergio Reyes?
Sergio Francisco Reyes is a 39-year-old man who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2004 murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in Phoenix.
What was the cause of Elena Lasswell’s death?
Elena Lasswell died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to her head, and had been sexually assaulted.
How was Sergio Reyes identified as a suspect?
Advancements in DNA profiling techniques led Phoenix Police cold case detectives to identify Sergio Reyes as a suspect in 2012. Familial DNA testing confirmed his identity in 2013.
When was Sergio Reyes extradited to the United States?
Sergio Reyes was extradited from Mexico to Maricopa County in July 2024, exactly 20 years after Elena Lasswell’s death.
What charges did Sergio Reyes plead guilty to?
Sergio Reyes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August 2025. Charges of sexual assault and kidnapping were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Elena Lasswell, 15-year-old girl from Phoenix |
| Defendant | Sergio Francisco Reyes, 39-year-old man |
| Crime | Second-degree murder of Elena Lasswell |
| Sentence | 20 years in prison |
| Extradition | From Mexico to Maricopa County in July 2024 |
| Plea Agreement | Guilty plea to second-degree murder; charges of sexual assault and kidnapping dismissed |
| Case Resolution | Advancements in DNA profiling led to identification of Reyes as a suspect in 2012; familial DNA testing confirmed his identity in 2013 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
