The officers who helped solve a 20-year-old New Westminster sexual assault case have been recognized by the provincial government at the Police Honours Night.
The annual awards, held Thursday night in Victoria, recognize outstanding law enforcement officers for their bravery and dedication. This year, 106 officers from across the province received awards, including six New Westminster police officers who received the Meritorious Service Award.
The New Westminster officers included acting Staff Sgt. Dwayne Raymond, Sgt. Josh Hooker, acting Sgt. Trevor Robinson, Det. Const. Chris Cecil, Sgt. Correa and Cpl. Wickham. These officers, along with Const. James Wertz from Coquitlam RCMP, received their award for closing a cold case.
The investigation began Oct. 4, 1996.
Dorothy Darnel, 80 years old at the time, was asleep in her bed when a man broke into her apartment at 310 Eighth St. and sexually assaulted her. The injuries to her head and face were so severe they rendered her unconscious, according to police.
Darnel survived the attack and would go on to become an advocate for seniors’ safety. She died in December 2015 at 99 years old.
The investigation into her assault, meanwhile, went cold. Police released a sketch of the suspect, who had been spotted fleeing Darnel’s apartment building by responding officers, but he was never identified.
It wasn’t until March 2016 that investigators would get the break they needed when a DNA sample was collected from the scene of a break-and-enter in Coquitlam. That sample matched the sample taken from the scene of Darnel’s attack.
In May 2017, the New Westminster Police Department announced charges had been laid against 48-year-old James Gray of Vancouver. Gray was charged with aggravated sexual assault; breaking and entering; robbery; unlawful confinement; attempting to choke to overcome resistance; and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
“We never gave up on it, we didn’t stop looking, and when that small piece of evidence came forward, the members stepped up,” said New Westminster Chief Const. Dave Jones at the press conference in 2017.
The six New Westminster police officers were among 57 officers to receive Meritorious Service Awards at the Police Honours Night.
“We rely on the officers we honour tonight to do the difficult and dangerous work of protecting all that we hold dear, often without expressing the gratitude and the respect they so deserve,” said Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth in a press release. “Tonight’s awards allow us to recognize the officers who reach incredible lengths to fulfil their oaths to protect and serve their communities. On behalf of all British Columbians, we thank you for your bravery, courage and dedication to duty.”
Gray never stood trial for his alleged crimes. He died in custody, awaiting trial in April of this year.
