Predatory stalker sentenced to 15 years for attacks on women

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced that Tyler Wakefield, 27, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Wakefield was convicted of stalking and attempting to assault multiple women across Collin County.

On July 22, 2022, a woman visiting a friend's apartment in Plano was attacked by Wakefield. He ambushed her in the parking lot, forced her into a stairwell, and attempted to remove her clothing. The attack was interrupted by a passing car and an arriving resident. Before fleeing, Wakefield took the victim's phone and smashed it on the ground.

Wakefield returned to the same complex hours later. The victim and witnesses managed to capture a photo of his license plate, which led investigators to him.

Following this incident, Plano Police initiated surveillance on Wakefield. Detectives observed him following women in various locations over several weeks. His actions included trailing a female jogger in Anna and approaching a woman near an apartment complex in Allen before law enforcement intervened.

Detectives Carlos Harwell and Catherine Foreman led the investigation. Harwell testified about Wakefield's stalking behavior during sentencing, while Foreman conducted the interrogation that resulted in his guilty plea.

Wakefield pleaded guilty to robbery charges before Judge Kim Laseter. The court reviewed evidence of his escalating violence toward women, including multiple assaults and an aggravated assault with a vehicle involving a child.

Judge Laseter sentenced Wakefield to 15 years in prison for robbery. The potential punishment range for this charge is between 2 to 20 years or probation.

District Attorney Greg Willis commented: "Wakefield was a serial predator who stalked, attacked, and terrorized women in their own communities. Thanks to a courageous victim and outstanding police work, he was stopped before he could do even more harm."

Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alyssa Mattingly and Baileigh Hale prosecuted the case with support from DA Investigator Mike Bennett and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller.