Hamilton, Ontario – Hamilton Police have made an arrest in connection to two violent sexual assaults that occurred on the city’s West Mountain in 2022 and 2023.
The first assault occurred on July 13, 2022, in the Upper Paradise and Donnici Drive area, where a woman was dragged from a trail, gagged, and bound with her wrists behind her back. The assault was interrupted by passersby in the area. The second assault took place on August 7, 2023, when a 74-year-old woman was assaulted in her home on the West Mountain while she was sleeping. The assailant reportedly assaulted her for over an hour before leaving.
Forensic evidence from both assaults linked the same individual to the crimes in January of this year. The suspect was located in the United States and has since been extradited back to Canada.
Leikeze Cheruiyot, 22, now faces six charges in connection to the assaults, including two counts of forcible confinement, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and breaking and entering to commit sexual assault.
The arrest of the suspect brings a sense of closure and justice to the victims and the community affected by these heinous crimes. Police worked diligently to gather evidence and locate the suspect, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Hamilton.
The incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions to apprehend suspects and hold them accountable for their actions. The extradition of the suspect demonstrates the cooperation and coordination between Canadian and U.S. authorities in addressing cross-border crimes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the victims and their families are hopeful for a resolution that will bring them peace and a sense of justice. The community stands united in support of the victims and in condemning such acts of violence.