Jurors have reached a decision in the grim case surrounding a man accused of raping and kidnapping two women in distinct incidents. Julio Cesar Escamilla-Ramos, a 31-year-old resident of Gresham, was found guilty of a series of serious charges including first-degree rape and kidnapping, according to a statement from the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office released on August 27.
Escamilla-Ramos’s attorney had not responded to requests for comment from McClatchy News as of August 29.
One shocking incident occurred in August 2023 when a 38-year-old woman was making her way home after attending an event in Molalla. Prosecutors allege that he offered her a lift. However, instead of taking her to her destination, Escamilla-Ramos drove in the opposite direction and wouldn’t allow her to leave the car. After reaching a secluded spot, he committed the assault before abandoning her there.
In a separate allegation, Escamilla-Ramos reportedly purchased $300 worth of clothing for a 22-year-old woman he had previously dated, intending for her to wear it to a party they both attended. Following the celebration, as he drove her home, he allegedly insisted that she engage in sexual activity with him in exchange for the clothes. When she rejected his advances, it turned into another horrific assault, where he subjected her to rape and abuse.
According to the authorities, the woman screamed for help during the ordeal. As she attempted to flee, Escamilla-Ramos held her back forcefully, declaring, “You’re not going anywhere.” Eventually, she managed to open the door, escape, and flee on foot.
Even as she escaped, Escamilla-Ramos pursued her. The brave woman managed to alert her family, who, upon receiving her call, detained him until the police arrived to make the arrest.
Besides being found guilty of kidnapping and two counts of rape, Escamilla-Ramos was also convicted of sexual abuse and sodomy. His sentencing is set for September 29.
For context, Gresham is roughly a 15-mile drive east from Portland.
Man raped multiple women over an 8-year period, CA authorities report. He’s convicted.
Accused serial rapist kept a notebook listing more than 30 women, WA authorities reveal.
Man raped an 11-year-old girl when her mother was at work, OR officials state. He’s been sentenced.
