
Winnipeg man accused of mailing bomb that injured lawyer faces new charges
WINNIPEG – A Winnipeg man charged earlier this month after a letter bomb severely injured a lawyer is now accused of trying to kill a total of three people with explosive devices.
Lawyer Maria Mitousis lost a hand and suffered other serious injuries in the July 3 blast.
In the days following, police found other explosive devices at two other law firms that were disposed of without incident.
Guido Amsel was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and explosives-related offences.
Police said Thursday that following additional investigation, including a search of his house, Amsel has been charged with a third count of attempted murder, along with unlawful possession of explosives.
“You know it is easy to say it is obvious, but there is a ton of investigation that goes on in the background before charges are laid,” Const. Eric Hofley said of the delay in laying the new charges.
“Investigators want to make sure everything is done correctly.”
Police allege that Amsel, 49, was targeting his ex-wife and the lawyers who were involved in a lengthy legal dispute between them.
Mitousis underwent 12 hours of surgery for injuries to her upper body and thighs.
Another bomb was sent to an auto repair shop where Amsel’s ex-wife works. A third went to a law firm Amsel had hired in a legal battle with his wife over money from a business the couple owned.
Martin Glazer, Amsel’s lawyer, said his client will plead not guilty to all charges.
“There is no confession and in fact Mr. Amsel denies the accusations made against him,” Glazer said in a statement.
“Based on the information received so far, the police have no direct evidence against him. The case appears to be built on assumptions and circumstantial evidence that has an innocent explanation.”
Court documents show Amsel and his ex-wife Iris went through a bitter divorce, along with a lawsuit over money from the company they used to jointly run.
The records also show Amsel appeared to drop the legal battle earlier this year. He withdrew accusations that his ex-wife had stolen money from the company and agreed, after years of denial, that he owed her $40,000.
Amsel agreed to auction off vehicles and equipment to pay his former spouse. The auction was scheduled for July 11 — eight days after the first letter-bomb exploded. The auction was quickly postponed.
— With files from CJOB
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