SERIAL RAPIST RICHARD MANTHA ON TRIAL FOR ASSAULTING SIX WOMEN IN CALGARY
Richard Mantha, aged 61, is facing serious charges for crimes committed between August 2019 and April 2023.He is accused of sexually assaulting six women, most of whom were working in Calgary's sex trade and were under the influence of drugs at the time.
Prosecutors argue that his modus operandi involved selecting victims based on their vulnerabilities, including drug addiction, and administering intoxicants to induce incapacitation, followed by engaging in non-consensual sexual activities.
Some of these assaults allegedly involved drugging and kidnapping victims, with reports stating he would often take women to his rented quonset where the assaults would occur, sometimes with the use of a vibrator.
One woman testified that she was lured through a Kijiji ad for a coffee machine and was drugged and raped for several days.
Another victim learned of her assault after an acquaintance sent her a video showing her being raped by Mantha for over three hours.
Multiple witnesses described aggressive attacks, with some women fleeing and losing consciousness, later waking up in hospitals.
Police first brought charges against Mantha in March 2023, but the trial has experienced delays due to legal issues and health problems he faced, including a stroke.
The case is currently nearing its conclusion, with a key hearing scheduled in August for a ruling on similar fact evidence, which the prosecution argues demonstrates a pattern of behavior.
The defense claims these similarities are too generic and could be coincidental, suggesting possible collusion among victims due to media influence or shared support groups.
The trial will continue with final submissions and judgments expected soon.
