Authorities say the DNA of a 61-year-old Fresno man is linked to the cold storage murder and two rapes in the early 2000s.

Robert Castillo was arrested April 10 at his home in northwest Fresno on suspicion of sexual assault and killing 43-year-old Barbara Lee, also known as Barbara Parker, according to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. Lee was found dead between the intersection of California and Polk Avenue on October 31, 2004.

Fresno Bee reported at the time Lee appeared last on October 30, and the next day residents found her body. Authorities said in 2004 that she was killed in the same area where the body was found.

Homicide detectives interviewed several people who knew Lee in 2004, but could not determine who killed her and the case became cold. The cold case unit review committee, composed of homicide detectives, crime analysts, prosecutors and district attorney investigators, restarted the case last year.

DNA samples were used to link detectives to Lee's death in 2003 and 2004 and two separate rape cases. The sheriff's office said in a statement that it was dealing with a third rape case to establish a connection with Castillo. Authorities did not provide additional information about the case.

Castillo's DNA was found in a database called the Joint DNA Index System or Codis, which helps law enforcement connect crime scenes to individuals who have previously been convicted of certain crimes. Authorities say Castillo served in prison in the mid-1980s, late 1990s and mid-2000s, but his DNA didn't enter the database until 2007.

Castillo is charged with one count of murder and two counts of sexual assault on force for Lee's death. He also faces rape charges in September 2004 assault and two counts of strong oral mating, as well as rape charges in October 2003 assault, according to court records.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have not yet determined whether they will be sentenced to death in the case. Castillo is still detained in lieu of $2.1 million in bail. Not able to comment immediately with his attorney.

Lee's murder is one of nine cold cases resolved in the past year, the sheriff's office said.

Fresno County, “It’s not easy in the world we live in…in fact, never forget these victims.” attny. Lisa Smittcamp In a statement said. "I want to express my condolences to the Lee family...because all of this is very difficult to unearth again after 20 years."

For anyone requesting any information about Castillo, please call Special Investigator Sergio Toscano at (559) 600-8027. Tips can also be directed to Valley Crimestoppers by visiting www.valleycrimestoppers.org using Reference Case #04-25747.