80-year-old suspect arrested in 'violent sexual assault' cold case from 1994

The Kingston Police Major Crime Unit has made an arrest in relation to a cold case sexual assault that occurred in 1994.

Lawrence Serson, 80 years old, of Hamilton, Ontario, has been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, break and enter with intent, assault, uttering threats and forcible confinement.

At the time of the incident, a then 52-year-old Serson, who was residing in Kingston, unlawfully gained entry into the residence of a 44-year-old female who lived alone.

After Serson gained entry into the victim's apartment, police allege he viscously attacked her while she slept. Kingston Police say Serson overpowered the victim by confining her before violently sexually assaulting her.

This investigation has remained open since the time it occurred. According to police, further forensic evidence/DNA was located and this DNA assisted the Major Crime Unit in identifying Serson and ultimately in solving this heinous incident.

On January 18, 2023 Serson was arrested by the Kingston Police in Hamilton, Ontario. Serson was subsequently transported to Kingston where he appeared before a Justice of the Peace on Jan. 19, 2023 and was remanded in to custody.

No charges have been proven in court.

Anyone with further information concerning this investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Chad Parslow or Detective Constable Chris Cook of the Kingston Police Major Crime Unit via email at cparslow@kingstonpolice.ca or ccook@kingstonpolice.ca