A man has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and breaking-and-entering in connection with a machete attack in Oak Bay that took place eight years ago.
Kaspar Handspiker, 32, admitted responsibility for the April 25, 2017 incident when he broke into a home on the 2500 block of Willows Beach Esplanade. The resident, Nermeen Alireza, was asleep when she was woken by sounds in her kitchen. Handspiker had picked up her purse, prompting Alireza to confront him.
During a struggle over the purse, Handspiker struck Alireza multiple times with a machete. Her arm and hand sustained serious injuries that required surgery. The attack left a lasting physical and emotional impact on the survivor.
At the time, Christopher Sloan Standell, 55, was in a car parked nearby. Earlier that morning, Handspiker had picked Standell up in Langford. Handspiker told Standell he planned to steal from cars in Oak Bay. Standell stayed in the vehicle while Handspiker entered the home with the machete.
Standell later faced legal consequences for his involvement. On August 24, 2023, he was sentenced to three years in federal prison for being an accessory after the fact to break-and-enter and robbery.
The attack prompted a lengthy investigation by the Saanich Police Department’s Major Crime Unit. The case remained unsolved for five years before Handspiker was arrested in Maple Ridge on January 15, 2023.
Sgt. John Grennan, who led the investigation, praised the dedication of the officers and civilian staff involved. He noted the operation included undercover work aimed at gathering detailed information about the crime from those suspected of being involved.
Grennan described the courtroom on Wednesday as a moment of relief and satisfaction. “It was a sense of satisfaction in terms of all the hard work that had paid off,” he said. “From the start, we wanted to restore confidence in public safety while holding those responsible accountable.”
Oak Bay Police Chief Julie Chanin said the guilty plea allows room for healing. She emphasized that the impact of such a violent crime remains long after the incident.
“The survivor, family members, friends, and first responders are affected by this,” Chanin said. “This doesn’t go away completely. But this guilty plea offers hope that people can begin to move forward in their own way.”
Handspiker’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 20. Court proceedings will determine his punishment following the guilty pleas.
The case highlights the persistence required in solving complex violent crimes and the long-term effects such incidents have on victims and the community. Police emphasized that the successful resolution demonstrates accountability and the importance of public safety measures.
The Oak Bay machete attack remains a stark reminder of the dangers of home invasions. Investigators said they hope the guilty plea can provide some closure for those affected while reinforcing trust in law enforcement.
