A jury in Brampton, Ontario, is hearing testimony regarding a 30-year cold case sex assault trial involving Richard Neil. The 67-year-old defendant faces 17 charges, including kidnapping, administering a stupefying drug, and sexual assault causing bodily harm, related to attacks on children in southern Ontario parks between 1992 and 1995.

What evidence was presented in court?

Forensic scientist Margaret Henry testified about several items the Crown claims are tied to the accused. The evidence presented includes:

  • A makeshift mask made from underwear with holes cut out
  • A pop bottle
  • Various pieces of crime scene debris

Henry testified that semen found on the underwear mask matched the genetic material of Neil. She stated that mathematical formulas used in testing provided "very strong support" that Neil was the source of the DNA profiles rather than an unknown, unrelated person.

How did advancements in DNA technology help?

Investigators screened approximately 310 persons of interest over three decades before genetic genealogy technology helped identify Neil. This specific technology was not available during the initial investigations in the 1990s.

Henry noted that significant advancements have been made in DNA testing since the three attacks in Kitchener, Brampton, and Oakville were first linked in 1995. The Centre of Forensic Sciences first tested Neil’s DNA against various crime scene samples in 2024.

Details of the decades-old investigation

The crimes involved children as young as eight years old who were violently tied up during the assaults. For years, the identity of the attacker remained unknown despite the connection of the three separate incidents.

The case has remained cold for more than 30 years, spanning the period from the early 1990s until the recent use of genetic genealogy. While the initial investigation occurred decades ago, the recent forensic breakthroughs have finally allowed prosecutors to bring the 67-year-old man to trial.

Neil has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

FAQ

Where did the original attacks take place?

The attacks occurred in southern Ontario parks located in Kitchener, Brampton, and Oakville.

How many people did police investigate?

Investigators screened roughly 310 persons of interest over a period of 30 years before linking the crimes to Neil.