An Alberta man, aged 65, has been charged with sexual assault following new DNA evidence linking him to a 1992 case in Two Hills. The incident took place in June of that year when a woman in her early 30s was sexually assaulted at knifepoint in her home while her children were present. Despite DNA evidence being recovered at the scene, no suspects were initially identified.
After years of investigation, the case went cold, but in 2023, a breakthrough occurred. Using investigative genetic genealogy, RCMP identified a familial match for the DNA found at the crime scene, leading to the suspect’s identification. A relative of the accused was found to have a similar DNA profile, allowing for the suspect’s arrest.
Subsequently, Leonard Peter Paulencu, a resident of Two Hills, was charged with sexual assault with a weapon and break and enter to commit an indictable offense. The arrest took place on Monday, and Paulencu was remanded into custody pending a court appearance at the St. Paul Court of Justice.
Notably, the accused and the victim, now 62 years old, had no prior connection. RCMP emphasized the importance of DNA technology in solving cold cases, expressing hope that continued advancements in investigative techniques will aid in bringing closure to victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
Cpl. Mathew Howell stated that no case is truly closed, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to resolving violent crimes and seeking justice regardless of the time elapsed. The utilization of investigative genetic genealogy has proven to be crucial in solving long-standing cases and bringing closure to victims and their families.