Grenadian Refugee Sentenced to 13 Years for Kidnapping and Assault

On November 1, 2022, a Grenadian refugee, Keyron Moore, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in a violent kidnapping and sexual assault that left the victim traumatized. The incident occurred in Toronto when the victim, whose identity is protected, was attacked after meeting a friend to discuss cryptocurrency. As she approached her Porsche Macan parked at Yonge St. and Steeles Ave., an armed man emerged from a Kia SUV, pulling her into the vehicle.

During the attack, a bystander attempted to intervene but was deterred when the assailant fired a weapon in his direction. According to the victim’s impact statement, the sound of the gunshot has haunted her since that night. The assailant, known only as “orange hoodie guy,” took her phone, disabled its tracking features, and proceeded to physically assault her to silence her screams.

The situation escalated when Moore, who had previously fled gang violence in Grenada in 2006, drove the getaway vehicle. While they stopped for gas, the armed man exited, allowing Moore to enter the vehicle and demand sexual acts from the victim. In her testimony, she recounted the chilling threats made against her life if she did not comply.

After being restrained with duct tape and driven around for hours, Moore brought the victim to a residence in Barrie. There, she encountered three young males who were armed and demanded a ransom of $1 million in cryptocurrency. The assailants subjected her to horrific torture, including burns and physical assaults. She described the agony of their brutal treatment, stating, “They burnt my hair, and they burnt the bottom of my feet.”

The trauma inflicted upon her left lasting physical and emotional scars. The victim reported persistent pain and sensitivity in her joints, likely due to the injuries sustained during her captivity. They forced her to contact individuals for ransom, all while threatening her with a syringe they claimed contained heroin.

After enduring twelve harrowing hours of captivity, the victim managed to escape when her captors briefly left the room. She ran to a neighbor for help, leading to her rescue. Moore was convicted in March 2023 of multiple charges, including kidnapping with a firearm and sexual assault with a firearm.

During sentencing, Justice Michael Townsend condemned Moore’s actions, describing them as “horrific, degrading, violent and disgusting.” The victim’s ongoing fear and anxiety serve as a testament to the long-lasting effects of trauma. She expressed in her statement, “I don’t go outside alone. The fear is too overwhelming.” Her experiences have left her feeling constantly threatened, unable to escape the memory of her ordeal.

Moore’s case highlights the severe impact of violent crime on victims and underscores the importance of justice in addressing such heinous acts. As society continues to grapple with issues of safety and security, the resilience of individuals like the victim reminds us of the profound human cost of violence.