A 22-year-old Hamilton man, recently extradited from the United States, faces multiple sexual assault charges stemming from two separate attacks endured by his victims over the span of two years. Leikeze Cheruiyot, who had been residing stateside for over a year, now stands accused of serious offenses including aggravated sexual assault and break and enter with the intent to commit sexual assault. This case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the nature of the crimes but also for the persistent efforts of law enforcement to bring the alleged perpetrator to justice.
The Hamilton Police Service revealed during a press conference on Thursday, following Cheruiyot’s bail hearing, the relief felt by the survivors after the arrest: “This was a very difficult investigation,” said Det. Sgt. Jen Currie, explaining how the process unfolded over the course of two years. The two victims were described as “relieved” to learn of Cheruiyot's apprehension, offering some measure of comfort after their harrowing experiences.
According to police reports, the first assault occurred along a trail near Upper Paradise Road and Donnici Drive back in July 2022, when a 56-year-old woman was attacked. Cheruiyot allegedly dragged the victim off the path, gagged her, and bound her wrists, before assaulting her, as she was out enjoying nature. Remarkably, the assault was interrupted when witnesses approached the scene, leading the assailant to flee on foot.
An extensive search for Cheruiyot followed. Law enforcement utilized surveillance video footage capturing his image as he escaped the area, prompting community awareness efforts by broadcasting the footage far and wide. Despite these efforts, it took considerable time before authorities were able to identify and locate him.
Fast forward to August 2023, and another victim—a 74-year-old woman—woke to find Cheruiyot inside her home, where he allegedly assaulted her for over an hour before leaving. This incident was pivotal as forensic evidence collected during the subsequent investigation conclusively linked the two assaults, leading to Cheruiyot's identification and eventual extradition from the U.S. to Canada. Police were able to track him down and secure his return after carefully working through various investigative techniques.
During the investigatory process, Hamilton police also commended the collaboration with their U.S. counterparts, acknowledging the significant role they played in locating Cheruiyot, who had moved to different states after leaving Canada. The police underscored their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents by continuing to search for any potential links to other unsolved cases.
Interestingly, prior to his arrest, Cheruiyot had faced various legal troubles across multiple states, with Virginia court records indicating he had been involved with over a dozen charges this year alone, including incidents involving trespassing, simulated masturbation, and indecent exposure. Yet, no prior connection had been established linking him to these local criminal activities, leaving investigators cautious yet determined to thoroughly explore every avenue.
While the police announced their achievements, community members echoed calls for improved safety measures on public trails, particularly for women. Local hiking enthusiast Melissa Kelly has been vocal about the need for increased police presence along the city’s walking trails, especially after the initial assault broke out. Amidst the joy of finally apprehending the suspect, she noted, “There has been no police presence the entire time since I started this couple of years ago.” Her sentiments reflect broader concerns amplified by experiences of assault reported throughout Hamilton.
Support services are available for those affected, as local organizations reiterate the importance of offering help and advocating for survivor rights. Miranda Jurilj, public education co-ordinator with SACHA, emphasized the complex emotions survivors may experience upon hearing such news of arrests, ranging from relief to feelings of re-traumatization during the judicial process. Maintaining connection with available resources is key as victims continue their healing journeys—never forgetting the personal stories entwined with the statistics.
Meanwhile, as Hamilton grapples with the aftermath of these events, it’s becoming clear there is much work to be done—not just within the judicial system but also through community initiatives and prevention efforts aimed at ensuring public safety. This case is clearly far from just another statistic; it involves people who, through tremendous resilience, have faced unspeakable hardships and seek the accountability they deserve.
On another front, the courtroom drama is also playing out for Ruben Manz, a chiropractor from Regina, Saskatchewan, who stands accused of sexually assaulting seven of his patients from 2010 to 2020. Now aged 49, Manz has pleaded not guilty but has been under scrutiny from the local legal system as jury deliberations begin following weeks of testimony.
The trial has revealed haunting accounts from victims who described how Manz, under the guise of providing treatment, placed his hands under their bras and touched their breasts. This chilling betrayal of trust has stirred significant community outrage, as witnesses described the disorientation and violation they felt during these encounters.
During closing arguments, Crown prosecutor Jackie Lane argued poignantly about the breach of trust by Manz, emphasizing how patients put their faith in medical professionals, only to be subjected to such legislative betrayals. Conversely, Manz’s defense attorney has depicted him as dedicated and family-oriented, asserting he acted within accepted medical boundaries and labeled many of the women's accounts as unreliable.
The courtroom proceedings shone light on broader issues surrounding trust between medical professionals and patients, giving rise to tough discussions on consent and validation within intimate environments, and prompting community calls for stringent checks within healthcare practices.
Both trials underline the importance of listening to survivors and validating their experiences, especially as many continue to navigate their own trauma and embrace healing.
With the Hamilton case being one of several high-profile sexual assault trials currently at the forefront, it is clear these narratives are complicately interwoven yet distinctly remind society about the onus to confront, support, and advocate for survivors’ rights—where justice and healing intertwine. Survivors need to feel empowered to come forward, supported, and placed at the forefront as communities search for safe pathways forward against violence.
