Alberta man charged in 1992 sexual assault case following DNA breakthrough

An Alberta man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault that took place more than 30 years ago in the eastern Alberta community of Two Hills.

RCMP say the alleged assault occurred in June 1992, when a woman was attacked in her home at knifepoint while her children were present. At the time, investigators were unable to identify a suspect, though DNA evidence was collected from the scene.

Police say the investigation was reopened after a familial DNA match was identified in 2023. That development led officers to identify a potential suspect and obtain a warrant to compare his DNA with the evidence gathered during the original investigation.

A 65-year-old Two Hills resident has now been charged with sexual assault with a weapon and break and enter to commit an indictable offence. RCMP say the charges stem directly from advances in forensic technology and renewed investigative efforts.

The case highlights the growing role of DNA analysis in solving historical offences, often referred to as cold cases, across Alberta and Canada. Police have not released further details, and the allegations have not been tested in court.