DNA from pen used in a sexual assault leads to arrest nearly 15 years later
Posted Apr 4, 2014 9:34 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A Calgary woman has been waiting for a breakthrough after being physically and sexually assaulted almost 15 years ago and now the wait is over.
On July 6th, 1999, around 12:30 p.m., she was on the patio of her home in the 0-100 block of Hidden Spring Place N.W. with her baby girl, when she stepped into her home momentarily to grab a toy.
But she was confronted by a man who got inside, who then physically and sexually assaulted her for under 10 minutes.
She grabbed a nearby pen and tried to stab him before he eventually left through the front door and when she locked her door, she found the baby unharmed.
Staff Sgt. Beverly Voros of the CPS Sex Crimes Unit said the case was investigated, but leads dried up.
However in 2011, thanks to advances in technology, police were able to get an ID because of DNA left behind on the pen that was used by the victim, who was in her mid to late-30s at the time of the attack.
Over time, investigators were able to track down a suspect.
“When we initially contacted the victim and told her we were still working on this case, that we had a DNA hit, initially she was very surprised and appreciative that we’re still working on this file,” Voros said. “I have two amazing detectives that worked on this and cracked the case and have an offender in custody, absolutely it’s a great feeling and for the victim.”
“She’s been waiting 15 years, finally she can come forward and say you know what, I know who this is, it still has to go through court obviously, but we’re working on this.”
Voros added there’s no evidence the suspect had any history with the victim or her home, but witnesses say he was going around the neighbourhood, knocking on doors asking for someone named Jason.
She couldn’t speak about any possible previous criminal history.
William Brookshaw, 40, of Fort St. John B.C. is charged with overcome resistance by choking, sexual assault and break and enter.
A Canada-wide warrant was issued March 28th and Brookshaw was returned to Calgary on Wednesday, with a scheduled court date Friday morning.
As for the victim and her family, they have since relocated and Voros said the woman has always been cooperative.
“She’s an amazing, strong, resilient lady,” Voros said.
