A man has been arrested and charged with the March 12 attempted rape of a female jogger at Point Dume State Park.
Christian Marcus Verdin31 was charged with assault to commit rape robbery grand theft auto and assault with a deadly weapon on Tuesday at Van Nuys Superior Court according to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department.
Verdin was taken into custody at his parents’ home in San Bernardino County on April 2. DNA tests confirmed the match based upon fingernail scrapings collected from the victim at the crime scene. The victim also reportedly identified the suspect in a lineup.
The assault took place around noon March 12 after the 35-year-old Malibu resident had finished a jog though Point Dume State Park. According to police reports the suspect allegedly grabbed the woman from behind and attempted to rape her. Authorities believe he may have used a knife or scissors in the attack. The victim struggled for several minutes before escaping by sliding down a cliff side to safety. Verdin then allegedly stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle has not yet been recovered.
Verdin is a convicted felon and was on parole for a 2008 burglary. His DNA was on file with L.A. County officials after his previous felony conviction. Sheriff’s Department officials described Verdin as a known drug user and a transient.
Many students have expressed relief over the news of the arrest particularly female students who had been concerned for their safety since news of the attack.
“I feel safer especially since I frequent the Point Dume area senior Jessica Pate said. But it’s definitely made me question how safe Malibu actually is. I still don’t feel completely comfortable.”
Junior Cory Geraths a Point Dume resident said news of the attack has made him more aware of his surroundings and more concerned for the safety of those around him.
“It [the attack] put everything in perspective a little— that there are dangers out there in Malibu and that everyone male and female should be on alert Geraths said. I am very glad that he was caught and I hope that safety will be an issue that we all take a little more seriously. It’s awful that it takes something like this to bring it to our attention.”