The man who beat and raped a Calgary woman in her own home more than two decades ago was found guilty on Wednesday.
DNA analysis played a key role in cracking one of the oldest cold cases in Calgary's history
In April of 1987 a woman was attacked when she answered the doorbell around 9:30 p.m.
A masked man pushed his way into her home and sexually assaulted her.
He tied her up, beat her, and dragged her from room to room.
The assault lasted an hour and half and she never saw her attacker's face.
"I didn't think he would ever be arrested," said the victim.
To her surprise, DNA led to the arrest of the man, 24 years later.
James Alexander Parent was convicted of all 6 charges related to the brutal assault.
He was found guilty of:
- Assault with a weapon
- Sexual assault causing bodily harm
- Attempt to conceal one's identity during the commission of a crime
- Unlawful confinement
- Break and enter
- Uttering threats to cause death
Detective Rene Lafrenier says this case sends a clear message that DNA means criminals can't hide forever. "When this happened you would need a truck load of DNA to extract a good sample now you can get that from the head of a pin."
James Parent's bail has been revoked and he will be sentenced in September.
