Suspected 'Wooded Rapist' nabbed

NASHVILLE, May 3 (UPI) -- Friends of a Tennessee man were stunned to learn he is accused of being the notorious "Wooded Rapist" -- responsible for at least six rapes during 14 years.

Burdick -- who was arrested Thursday after police said his DNA matched that found at crime scenes -- was described by friends, including a former girlfriend, as a sociable and popular, The (Nashville) Tennessean reported Saturday.

He helped Habitat for Humanity raise almost $10,000 by participating in a bachelor auction. Friends said he had been popular as a teen, going to his high school prom with a date and his best friend, and never had any run-ins with the law outside of some speeding tickets.

Burdick, 38, was charged Thursday with six counts of aggravated rape and attempted rape.

The rapist was given his nickname because of his practice of attacking women who lived in or near wooded area, the newspaper said.

Gretchen Glaize, a former girlfriend, told the newspaper she was "flabbergasted."

"He was the best guy I ever dated in my life. He wined and dined me in expensive restaurants. His family is wonderful and accepting."