Verdict in mail bomber case expected in May

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This article was published 06/04/2018 (2815 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A long-awaited verdict in the case of an accused mail bomber is expected next month.

Provincial court Judge Tracey Lord is set to deliver her decision May 17. The Winnipeg auto-body mechanic is accused of building and mailing bombs targeting his ex-wife and local lawyers.

Guido Amsel, 51, pleaded not guilty to 19 criminal charges, including five counts of attempted murder stemming from four bombs he’s accused of building during a lengthy civil court dispute with his ex-wife, Iris Amsel.

Two bombs triggered explosions: one outside Iris Amsel’s home in December 2013 and another at a River Avenue law office in July 2015 that severely injured lawyer Maria Mitousis and resulted in the loss of her right hand.

Three bombs concealed in packages — one addressed to Mitousis, one to Iris Amsel and one to the law firm that represented Guido Amsel — were mailed in Winnipeg in early July. It was about a week before an auction of equipment was to take place so Guido could repay his ex-wife money he owed her to settle their business dispute following their divorce.

Guido’s DNA was found at two of the explosion scenes. He has maintained his innocence and has testified he believes his DNA could have been planted to frame him. He has accused his ex-wife of fraud and believed she was stealing from the business they owned. Court was told Guido asked his former lawyer whether she was being paid off by his ex-wife or by Iris’s lawyer, Mitousis.

Lord reserved her decision after Amsel’s trial wrapped up about four months ago.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay