Kidnapping, sex assault trial starts Monday in Linn County

CEDAR RAPIDS - Jury selection begins Monday for the trial of a 22-year-old Marion man who kidnapped, sexually assaulted and stabbed a woman he met through social media last year.

Bryan Roche is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, attempted murder and willful injury causing serious injury. According to a criminal complaint, Roche held a 20-year-old woman against her will for about two hours April 24, 2013. The woman was tied up and choked, sexually assaulted and then stabbed in the abdomen and neck.

Police responded after being called by some neighbors who found her in the stairwell of her apartment complex on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids. The woman told officers after Roche left she went into the hallway.

According to the criminal complaint, Roche placed tape over her mouth and neck in an effort to confine her in the residence. The woman said he told her 'You are going to have to die because I am not going to jail.”

According to police, the woman identified Roche as her attacker. When questioned by police, Roche admitted the attack and even led police to a dumpster where he discarded evidence, including the knife.

Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden hasn't released additional details of the crime.

Vander Sanden said he was hoping testimony would start Monday afternoon. The trial is expected to last three to four days. He said the woman will testify during the trial but didn't know if Roche would take the stand.

Follow trial updates on Twitter @tmehaffey and thegazette.com.