A man has been given a 16-year prison sentence after admitting to attempted murder in a case where a woman was viciously attacked, placed in a duffel bag, and left in a dumpster on a cold night in Winnipeg. Joey Audy, the perpetrator, received the verdict from provincial court Judge Rachel Rusen in a Winnipeg courtroom. The judge described the events of the December 2023 assault on the woman as “a stark horror” and remarked that the victim’s survival was purely coincidental, as Audy had intended to end her life.
The victim, who was present during the sentencing, shared in a victim impact statement the ongoing trauma she faces since the attack. She expressed her struggles, including an aversion to the sound of duct tape and a scar on her lip from the assault. Despite her hardships, she emphasized her resilience and determination to overcome the ordeal.
The court learned that multiple individuals were involved in the attack, with the victim being held captive for hours before being left in the dumpster to perish. Audy was identified as the main instigator behind the assault on the vulnerable Indigenous woman. In addition to the attempted murder charge, Audy was sentenced for a separate robbery incident. Despite pleas for a lower sentence due to his troubled upbringing, the court found that while Audy’s personal circumstances were tragic, the need to protect the public and the victim outweighed such factors.
Judge Rusen reduced Audy’s sentence to 16 years after considering all aspects of the case. The events leading to the assault began in December 2023 when the victim was coerced into an apartment by Audy and other individuals. The victim was physically and emotionally abused before being left in a dumpster, where she was eventually rescued by two individuals after enduring significant trauma.
Several other individuals involved in the incident received varying sentences for their roles in the crime. The court highlighted the severity of the attack and emphasized the importance of holding all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violent crimes on individuals and communities. The court’s decision reflects the commitment to justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals.
