‘Woodland Rapist’ sex assault charges laid 30 years after attacks in Brampton, Kitchener and Oakville
Published March 13, 2024 at 9:53 am
Charges including kidnapping have been laid against a B.C. man accused of sexually assaulting three children in Ontario some 30 years ago.
An investigation called Project Woodland wrapped up earlier this month with Peel Regional Police saying a 64-year-old man had been arrested in connection to “historical sexual assaults on children.”
Investigators say the assaults happened from 1992 to 1995 in the Peel, Halton and Waterloo regions, with the perpetrator gaining the nickname of the Woodland Rapist.
The victims were an eight-year-old, a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old, with the attacks happening in Kitchener, Brampton and Oakville, according to reports.
A composite sketch of the suspect was released following the assaults but no charges were laid. Police reopened the cold case in 2009 and now say a 64-year-old B.C. man was arrested on March 3 and is accused of 20 criminal charges.
Peel Regional Police say Richard Neil, 64, of B.C., has been charged with kidnapping, uttering death threats, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, administering noxious thing with intent, and forcible confinement, among others.
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The investigation into the assaults was a collaboration between Peel police, Halton Regional Police and Waterloo Regional Police.
Anyone with any information on these incidents is asked to contact the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit by calling 905-453-2121 ext. 3460. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.PeelCrimeStoppers.ca.
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