A Calgary man, Kepra Udup Bang, has been found guilty of aggravated sexual assault after a harrowing attack nearly seven years ago. Justice Allan Fradsham delivered the verdict Tuesday, rejecting the claim that any initial sexual contact with the victim was consensual.
The attack, which occurred in the Forest Lawn community on July 14, 2019, left the woman, identified as M.M., unconscious and hospitalized for over a week. Bang testified he met M.M. at a child’s birthday party and that she contacted him on the day of the assault, leading to a meeting at her home.
Bang asserted they immediately went to her bedroom and engaged in sexual activity. However, Justice Fradsham found this account deeply improbable, citing overwhelming forensic evidence that directly contradicted his story.
Crucially, Bang’s DNA was discovered not only on the victim’s body but also on a wrist band found beside her as she lay unconscious. The judge emphasized that the wrist band contained exclusively male DNA, and that DNA matched Bang.
An eyewitness further shattered Bang’s defense. A woman, awakened by screams, observed a man holding M.M. from behind, with his pants down, just moments before police arrived. The scene she described was one of clear aggression.
Upon arrival, officers found M.M. unconscious and partially naked. Justice Fradsham stated the combination of her state of undress and the man’s actions decisively indicated a sexual assault was taking place.
Even if any prior consent existed, the judge ruled, the brutality of the subsequent assault unequivocally negated it. He explicitly stated he did not believe Bang’s claim of a consensual encounter with M.M.
The case remained unsolved for years, finally reaching a resolution with advancements in forensic technology. Swabs collected from the victim in 2019 were re-analyzed in late 2024, resulting in a definitive DNA match to Bang.
Bang remains in custody, awaiting sentencing. A presentence report has been ordered at the request of his counsel, and a date for the sentencing hearing will be set next week.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony in establishing the truth behind violent crimes, and delivering justice for survivors.
