Skip to Main content

9.08°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Nov 3, 2021 12:32 AM - Connect News

VPD investigation leads to charges in decades-old sex assault

Share On

vpd-investigation-leads-to-charges-in-decades-old-sex-assault

Vancouver Police believe they’ve solved a decades-old child sexual assault, after evidence from the crime scene was linked to a suspect more than 30 years later. (Photo - Vancouver police/Twitter)

Vancouver Police believe they’ve solved a decades-old child sexual assault, after evidence from the crime scene was linked to a suspect more than 30 years later.

"Crimes against children can cause life-long trauma and stress that may never fully go away," says Constable Tania Visintin. "Even when a case goes cold, we never give up hope that we will one-day find the missing clue that helps bring closure and accountability."

In the early hours of February 16, 1989, a teenaged girl was pulled into a car and sexually assaulted near East 16th Avenue and Main Street. VPD detectives investigated the case and obtained evidence from the crime scene, but couldn’t identify a suspect at the time.

"We never stop investigating violent crimes" adds Constable Visintin. "In 2017, after receiving new information, we assigned a team of investigators to re-examine this case, and that team managed to identify a suspect."

Earlier this year, B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges of sexual assault, assault, uttering threats, forcible confinement and theft under $5,000 against 55-year-old Joseph Richardson.

Richardson was arrested last month in Ottawa, and remains in custody.

Latest news

manslaughter-charge-laid-after-fatal-fight-in-maple-ridge-home

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal fight in Maple Ridge home

A 45-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal altercation at a home in Maple Ridge earlier this month, according to police. Investigators say officers responded to a residence at حوالي 7:30 p.m. on March 16, where they found a 49-year-old man in medical distress. The man was treated at the scene but later died from his injuries. Police said the BC Prosecution Service approved a manslaughter charge on Monday, upgrading an earlier charge of assault causing bodily harm that had been laid the previous week. According to investigators, the two men were known to each ot

american-academic-released-by-taliban-authorities-in-afghanistan-officials-say

WorldMar 24, 2026

American academic released by Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, officials say

Afghanistan’s Taliban government says it has released American academic Dennis Coyle, who had been held in the country since January 2025. According to a statement issued Tuesday by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was released in Kabul on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. The ministry said the decision followed an appeal from Coyle’s family and came after the country’s Supreme Court determined that his time in custody was sufficient. Afghan authorities had previously detained Coyle on allegations of violating local laws, but did not publicly spe

b-c-considers-changes-to-indigenous-rights-law-raises-concerns-among-first-nations-leaders

B.C. considers changes to Indigenous rights law, raises concerns among First Nations leaders

The British Columbia government is considering amendments to its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act that could alter how the province aligns its laws with Indigenous rights, according to a confidential letter shared with some First Nations leaders. According to a copy of the letter obtained by The Canadian Press, the proposed changes would shift the province’s obligation from taking “all measures” to align laws with the declaration to supporting “ongoing processes” to align selected legislation. The letter was distributed Monday to some First Nations leadership. The

man-dies-after-late-night-shooting-at-abbotsford-park-and-ride-homicide-team-takes-over

Man dies after late-night shooting at Abbotsford park-and-ride, homicide team takes over

A man has died after a reported shooting at a park-and-ride lot in Abbotsford late Sunday night, according to a police news release. Abbotsford Police say patrol officers were called to the Whatcom Road Park & Ride at about 11:11 p.m. on March 23, where a large encampment is currently located. Officers found a man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital but later died. Police say the investigation is in its early stages and the case is being treated as a targeted incident. No arrests have been made. The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit is handing the investiga

WorldMar 24, 2026

Iran launches new missile strikes on Israel as cross-border attacks continue into day 25

Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel from Monday night into Tuesday, marking the 25th day of ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to statements attributed to Israeli authorities, Iran carried out seven missile attacks during that period. Israeli officials did not immediately release independent verification of damage or casualties from the latest strikes. In response, Israel continued its counter-offensive operations. The Israeli Air Force said it struck more than 50 Iranian-linked targets overnight, including missile launch sites an

Related News

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal fight in Maple Ridge home

Manslaughter charge laid after fatal fight in Maple Ridge home

A 45-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal altercation at a home in Maple Ridge earlier this month, according to police. Investigators say officers responded to a residence at حوالي 7:30 p.m. on March 16, where they found a 49-year-old man in medical distress. The man was treated at the scene but later died from his injuries. Police said the BC Prosecution Service approved a manslaughter charge on Monday, upgrading an earlier charge of assault causing bodily harm that had been laid the previous week. According to investigators, the two men were known to each ot

B.C. considers changes to Indigenous rights law, raises concerns among First Nations leaders

B.C. considers changes to Indigenous rights law, raises concerns among First Nations leaders

The British Columbia government is considering amendments to its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act that could alter how the province aligns its laws with Indigenous rights, according to a confidential letter shared with some First Nations leaders. According to a copy of the letter obtained by The Canadian Press, the proposed changes would shift the province’s obligation from taking “all measures” to align laws with the declaration to supporting “ongoing processes” to align selected legislation. The letter was distributed Monday to some First Nations leadership. The

Man dies after late-night shooting at Abbotsford park-and-ride, homicide team takes over

Man dies after late-night shooting at Abbotsford park-and-ride, homicide team takes over

A man has died after a reported shooting at a park-and-ride lot in Abbotsford late Sunday night, according to a police news release. Abbotsford Police say patrol officers were called to the Whatcom Road Park & Ride at about 11:11 p.m. on March 23, where a large encampment is currently located. Officers found a man with life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital but later died. Police say the investigation is in its early stages and the case is being treated as a targeted incident. No arrests have been made. The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit is handing the investiga

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital