APTN National News
Marlene Bird allegedly knew the man who left her burned and mutilated in a Prince Albert, Sask., parking lot on June 1, according to police.
Leslie Ivan Roderick Black, 29, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection with the brutal attack on Bird, 47, who was left for dead in the parking lot and is now recovering in an Edmonton hospital.
Black is currently in custody and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Prince Albert on Wednesday.
Prince Albert police said forensic and “other evidence” led investigators to Black, who is the only suspect. Police said in statement released Monday that Bird knew Black who was “considered a casual acquaintance.”
Police also executed a search warrant at Black’s residence on Saturday.
Police said the attack on Bird occurred after she was allegedly left alone with Black in the “early morning hours” .
Edmonton Police interviewed Bird on June 21 and she cooperated with her questioners, the statement said.
The RCMP, Saskatoon Police and other “national police services” also aided in the investigation, said Prince Albert police. Bird is currently in stable condition at the University of Alberta hospital. Doctors were forced to amputate both of Bird’s legs as a result of severe burns, said police. She will also need extensive facial reconstruction surgery to her face, police said.
Bird is from Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
@APTNNews
