A man charged with sexual assaults on children in Ontario more than 30 years ago has been granted bail with conditions.
Peel Regional Police announced charges against Richard Neil, 64, on March 29 for crimes dating back to 1992. Police said Mr. Neil currently resides in British Columbia and was arrested on March 3.
In an investigation called Project Woodland, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, and Waterloo Regional Police investigated incidents that occurred between 1992 and 1995. A publication ban is in place on the case and court proceedings to protect the privacy of the victims.
His next appearance is May 6.
Historic Cases
Advances in DNA have helped police solve other historical crimes, including a Quebec murder in 2000.Marc-André Grenon was found guilty by a jury in February after police matched his DNA from discarded drinking straws to the crime scene where junior college student Guylaine Potvin was found dead.
Toronto police were given a government grant to advance methods of solving cold cases across the province, according to Michael Arntfield, a criminologist and professor at Western University.
Investigators are now able to access DNA information from thousands of samples and profiles posted online, including those from private DNA kits linked to genetic tracing.
One example is the case of Tennesse businesswoman Jewell Parchman Langford, who was found dead outside of Ottawa in 1975. Police were unable to identify Ms. Langford, until they were able to use her DNA to track down individuals listed in a family tree with the help of a California lab in 2019.
With that information, police were able to search for possible suspects.
Rodney Nichols, 81, who resides in Hollywood, Fla., was charged in the case.
