Advancements in DNA analysis have resulted in charges against a 51-year-old man in connection to a break and enter and sexual assault that happened 19 years ago.

In the early morning hours of July 12, 1995, police were called to a home in the 1300 block of 69 Street S.W for reports of a break and enter.

Investigators say that a woman awoke to find a man standing over her and her husband with a knife.

Police say the man was wearing a mask and restrained the husband in another room. He then returned to the bedroom and demanded money from the wife.

When he did not get what he wanted, he sexually assaulted the wife and her 15-year-old daughter.

The husband was able to escape and call police from a neighbour’s home.

Police identified a suspect at the time but were unable to make an arrest.

Advances in DNA forensic analysis resulted in the arrest of a man in Innisfail on Tuesday.

“There was an eye witness that came forward, that saw someone leaving the scene, he was identified through that, we didn’t have enough evidence at the time, with the DNA evidence that came forward, we were able to press charges yesterday following that up,: said CPS S/Sgt. Bev Voros, of the CPS Sex Crimes Unit. “He was known to the family but because he was masked the entire time the family could not ID him.”

Jack William Kramer, 51, of Whitecourt, Alberta, is charged with:

  • Two counts of sexual assault with a weapon
  • One count of break and enter
  • Four counts of forcible confinement
  • Two counts of Sexual assault with threats to cause bodily harm
  • Three counts counts of robbery, home invasion
  • One count of face masked during the commission of an offense
  • One count of possession of a weapon or imitation for a dangerous purpose

“My investigators called the family today, they’re absolutely relieved that someone has finally been caught for this offence. It’s been a long time in the waiting and it’s a very violent, traumatic offence so they are happy that something has happened with this,” said S/Sgt Voros.

Voros says Kramer lived in Calgary at the time of the offence.

Kramer is also facing charges in an attempted murder and robbery investigation in Fort McMurray from 2002.

Police say an employee at the downtown bottle depot was approached by a masked person with a knife. 

Investigators say that during the robbery the suspect threatened to kill the employee and a struggle ensued. The victim was stabbed which resulted in life threatening injuries.

The suspect then fled the scene leaving physical evidence behind and DNA analysis identified Kramer as a suspect.

He was arrested on Tuesday and is charged with attempted murder, robbery and wearing a disguise with intent to commit an offence.

Kramer remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 16, 2014.