Phoenix, Arizona, November 22, 2025
In a case that went unsolved for two decades, Sergio Francisco Reyes has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in Phoenix. Reyes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, while charges of sexual assault and kidnapping were dismissed. The case was eventually resolved through advanced DNA techniques, leading to Reyes’ 2014 indictment and his prior escape to Mexico. His extradition and subsequent sentencing offer a measure of justice for Elena’s grieving family.
- Who is Sergio Francisco Reyes?
- Sergio Francisco Reyes, 39, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2004 murder of 15-year-old Elena Lasswell in Phoenix, Arizona. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, with charges of sexual assault and kidnapping dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
- What was the outcome of the case?
- Reyes was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Charges of sexual assault and kidnapping were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
- How was the case solved after 20 years?
- In 2012, Phoenix Police cold case detectives used DNA collection techniques to create a profile matching Reyes, who was 17 at the time of the murder. Familial DNA confirmed Reyes as the lead suspect in 2013. Despite being indicted in 2014, Reyes had fled to Mexico. It took investigators another 10 years to locate and arrest him. On July 10, 2024, exactly 20 years after Lasswell’s death, Reyes was extradited from Mexico to Maricopa County and booked into jail on charges of first-degree murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
- What happened to Elena Lasswell?
- Elena Lasswell was found dead in her bedroom on July 10, 2004, at a residence near 23rd Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix, Arizona. An autopsy revealed she died from strangulation and blunt force trauma to her head. Witnesses reported seeing Lasswell and a teen boy between 16 and 19 enter her bedroom and shut the door the night before, July 9.
- What does this case highlight?
- This case highlights the tireless efforts of Phoenix Police detectives and Maricopa County Attorney’s Office prosecutors, who remained committed to seeking justice for Elena and her family over the past two decades.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Sergio Francisco Reyes, 39 |
| Victim | Elena Lasswell, 15 |
| Crime | Murder |
| Sentence | 20 years in prison |
| Plea Agreement | Pleaded guilty to second-degree murder; charges of sexual assault and kidnapping dismissed |
| Case Resolution | Cold case solved after 20 years using DNA evidence; Reyes extradited from Mexico |
| Location | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Incident Date | July 10, 2004 |
| Arrest Date | July 10, 2024 |
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Sergio Reyes Sentenced for the Murder of Phoenix Teen
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.
