Man Charged in Connection with Cold Case Sexual Assault

The Calgary Police Service Sex Crimes Unit has charged a man in connection with a 15-year-old cold case.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., on July 6, 1999, a woman was on the back patio of her home with her baby. Leaving her child on the backyard patio, the woman momentarily stepped inside to grab a toy.  As she was walking back though the house to her kitchen she was confronted by a man.

The offender physically and sexually assaulted her in the kitchen. The victim attempted to defend herself from her attacker by grabbing a nearby pen and attempting to stab the offender numerous times.

The offender left through the front door of her house, and after locking it behind him, she immediately ran to check on her baby on the back patio, who was unharmed, and called police.

This case was thoroughly investigated at the time, but unfortunately became a cold case. In 2011, advances in technology led to confirmation through DNA of a match to a man living in British Columbia. The case was then reopened, and on Friday, March 28, 2014, a Canada-wide warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest.

William James BROOKSHAW, 40, of Fort Saint John, B.C., is charged with overcome resistance by choking, sexual assault and break and enter. BROOKSHAW was returned to Calgary on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, and is scheduled to appear in provincial court this morning.

Media advisory to follow.