Eastside Defender

Criminal charges have been filed in the May 4th burglary/sexual assault that occurred in 1000 block of 15th Ave SE. Christopher Edward Karls has been charged with:

• Criminal Sexual Conduct First degree (felony) (penetration)
• Criminal Sexual conduct First Degree (felony) (use of weapon during act)
• Criminal sexually conduct First degree (felony) (caused personal injury during act)
• Burglary first Degree (felony) (occupied dwelling)
• Burglary First Degree (felony) (use of weapon during act)
• Kidnapping First Degree (felony)

According to the complaint, the victim arrived home around 6:30am and went to her private room inside a house she shares with three other females. While she was inside her room she heard footsteps in the hallway and went to check to see if it was her roommates. When she opened her door she saw a man she did not recognize and immediately slammed the door and locked it. The man, Karls, went to her door, noticed it was locked and proceeded to kick and break his way into her room.

Once inside, the victim hit Karls several times with a curling iron in an attempt to hold him off, stopping only after she saw that he was holding a knife. Karls told the victim that he was desperate for money and the victim offered up her camera and computer. Karls then put the knife to the victim’s throat and told her to take her clothes off which she did. Karls then sexually assaulted her and then made her take a shower to wash away evidence. While in the bathroom the victim opened the second story window and jumped to the deck below breaking her ankle. Victim then went to the neighbor’s house to call for help.

During the investigation and crime scene processing, investigators noticed that an aluminum window frame had been bent open by Karls to gain access to the house. When examining the window frame closer, officer observed small red spots that appeared to be blood. These samples were collected and sent to the BCA for DNA analysis. The DNA sample came back with a positive match to KARLS.

This case is unique in a sense that stranger sexual assaults are quite uncommon in Minneapolis. Credit goes to the precinct officers at the scene for finding and preserving the evidence, Crime Scene investigators for collecting and processing the items and Sgt Bernie Martinson for his follow-up interviews and relentless search for the suspect.

Karls is being held in custody at the Hennepin County Adult Detention Facility. Bail has been set at $150,000.