Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the sexual assault at Pine Hills cemetery earlier this week, but have remained tight-lipped about details of the investigation.
The disturbing crime happened around 5pm Monday, police said, when a woman, who was at the cemetery near Kennedy Road and St. Clair Avenue East to visit her mother’s grave, was walking along a paved pathway. Authorities said she was dragged into the bushes, sexually assaulted and beaten so badly she lost consciousness.
When the victim, 61, came to about five hours later, she managed to make her way to a building on the grounds and ask for help. She remains in hospital in stable condition.
Investigators are continuing their canvass of the area, Det. Sgt. Corrine Bellon said Thursday, to speak with the suspect's acquaintances and to determine if there are other victims.
Police announced Thursday that 44-year-old Russell Kirkpatrick(pictured) was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault and attempted murder. He was picked up by authorities Wednesday at St. Clair Avenue East and Kennedy Road.
Kirkpatrick appeared in an Eglinton Avenue East court Thursday morning and was remanded into custody. A publication ban was in effect for the court hearing. The suspect had fresh cuts and scratches and, reportedly, a little bit of what appeared to be blood on his orange prison jumpsuit.
"He seemed like a quiet guy...he didn't cause much trouble or anything," said Paul Woodill, who lived with the suspect at a homeless shelter not far the cemetery crime scene. "We didn't really know him because he kept to himself."
For weeks leading up to the attack, police received several calls about a naked man masturbating in the cemetery. By the time police arrived, however, the culprit was gone. Police now believe that man may have been Kirkpatrick.
Kirkpatrick is known to police and faced charges in 1999 after an attack on a 31-year-old woman.
He's set to appear before a judge again Monday, via video link.
Detectives want to speak with anyone who had contact with Kirkpatrick between Monday, July 12 and the 14th - the day of his arrest.
Police had asked the public Wednesday to refrain from touching clothing on or around the cemetery grounds if they came across them, as they could be related to the investigation.
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