Accused Winnipeg bomber had long-running feud with ex-wife
WINNIPEG — Court documents show a man accused of sending letter bombs to Winnipeg lawyers and his ex-wife has been in a decade-long battle with his former spouse that includes accusations of theft, impersonation and a wedding ring being flushed down a toilet.
Police allege Guido Amsel, 49, being held in custody on charges including attempted murder, became so enraged over perceived mistreatment at the hands of his former wife, Iris Amsel, and lawyers who had been involved in the dispute, he sent explosive devices to their offices though Canada Post.
According to a sworn statement from police, an explosive compound was hidden in “a small grey voice recorder.” Lawyer Maria Mitousis, 38, was seriously injured when one of the bombs blew up Friday. Police detonated two more devices over the weekend and warned justice officials more could be found in the next day or so.
The situation has unnerved many city residents and prompted dozens of reports of suspicious packages. City hall and a nearby Canada Post office were briefly evacuated Monday.
Court documents show the Amsels separated in 2004. Amsel and his wife had owned a company involved in automotive repair. They initially split shares in the company — Amsel later bought out his ex-wife — and he was ordered to pay $500 a month in child support.
The divorce became bitter in 2010. Guido Amsel accused his ex-wife of siphoning more than $3 million from the company into hidden bank accounts before the divorce was finalized. He also claimed she had flushed his wedding ring down a toilet and tried to break up his second marriage.
Iris Amsel has denied the accusations. Her lawyer was Mitousis, who has since been upgraded to stable condition.