Former Paul Bernardo fan in court on U.S. Consulate attempted murder charge
By Sam Pazzano, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, August 09, 2016 08:17 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 09, 2016 08:43 PM EDT
Michelle Erstikaitis, who was an admirer of school girl killer Paul Bernardo, appeared via video in an Old City Hall courtroom Tuesday to face charges for allegedly slashing a U.S. Consulate security guard.
The well-groomed, articulate 36-year-old, who was declared a dangerous offender five years ago, asked to receive surveillance video from the U.S. Consulate on University Ave.
She allegedly walked into the consulate on July 18 seeking political asylum and shouted “ISIS is coming to kill you,” Toronto Police have said.
Police said she was pushing her way into the building. When a guard tried to stop her, she allegedly tried to slash a security guard’s throat with a three-inch box cutter.
As the woman was taken to the ground, she allegedly swung the knife again, slicing his right arm.
Erstikaitis, who’s facing attempted murder, aggravated assault and carrying a concealed weapon charges, was remanded in custody until Sept. 1.
As a young teen, she became obsessed with Bernardo and began writing love letters to Bernardo as he awaited trial for the murders of Leslie Mahaffy, 14, and Kristen French, 15.
At 19, she was convicted of uttering threats and sentenced to two years’ probation for repeatedly calling the Mahaffy home and threatening to kill the mother and brother of one of Bernardo’s victims.
In 2011, she was deemed a dangerous offender after serving time for stabbing a boyfriend.
Michelle Erstikaitis (Toronto Sun files)
Former Paul Bernardo fan in court on U.S. Consulate attempted murder charge | To
By Sam Pazzano, Toronto Sun
First posted: Tuesday, August 09, 2016 08:17 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, August 09, 2016 08:43 PM EDT
Michelle Erstikaitis, who was an admirer of school girl killer Paul Bernardo, appeared via video in an Old City Hall courtroom Tuesday to face charges for allegedly slashing a U.S. Consulate security guard.
The well-groomed, articulate 36-year-old, who was declared a dangerous offender five years ago, asked to receive surveillance video from the U.S. Consulate on University Ave.
She allegedly walked into the consulate on July 18 seeking political asylum and shouted “ISIS is coming to kill you,” Toronto Police have said.
Police said she was pushing her way into the building. When a guard tried to stop her, she allegedly tried to slash a security guard’s throat with a three-inch box cutter.
As the woman was taken to the ground, she allegedly swung the knife again, slicing his right arm.
Erstikaitis, who’s facing attempted murder, aggravated assault and carrying a concealed weapon charges, was remanded in custody until Sept. 1.
As a young teen, she became obsessed with Bernardo and began writing love letters to Bernardo as he awaited trial for the murders of Leslie Mahaffy, 14, and Kristen French, 15.
At 19, she was convicted of uttering threats and sentenced to two years’ probation for repeatedly calling the Mahaffy home and threatening to kill the mother and brother of one of Bernardo’s victims.
In 2011, she was deemed a dangerous offender after serving time for stabbing a boyfriend.
Michelle Erstikaitis (Toronto Sun files)
Former Paul Bernardo fan in court on U.S. Consulate attempted murder charge | To