Update – Abduction/Sexual Assault Investigation Arrest: C23-233539

Released: February 1, 2024 at 11:24 a.m.

Information contained in our media releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

As previously released, on September 25, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m., General Patrol officers responded to the Spence neighbourhood area for the report of an abduction/sexual incident. 

A teenage female reported walking in the 3000 block of Portage Avenue during the evening of September 24 when she was abducted at knifepoint. The male suspect drove her to an undisclosed location, where she was sexually assaulted repeatedly over several hours. The survivor eventually fled and used a passerby’s cellular phone to call police.

Members of the Sex Crimes Unit assumed the investigation, and as a result, a male suspect was identified.

Cory Lee WHALEN, 40, of Winnipeg, has been charged with the following:

- Sexual Assault with a Weapon x 3

- Sexual Assault

- Assault with a Weapon

- Possession of a Weapon

- Kidnapping

- Administer Noxious Thing with Intent to Endanger Life or Cause Harm

- Forcible Confinement

- Assault by Choking, Suffocating or Strangling

- Mischief Under $5000/Obstruct in Enjoyment

- Fail to Comply with Probation Order

 

WHALEN was detained in custody.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, a second male suspect has been identified.

Shawn Ryan LESLIE, 39, has been charged with Sexual Assault and detained in custody.  

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.