In a significant legal development in Calgary, Const. Craig Stothard of the Calgary Police Service will undergo a two-week preliminary inquiry starting in May. He faces two charges of second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shootings of two men during a low-speed police chase in 2023.
Court Proceedings and Scheduling
Defence counsel Don MacLeod appeared at the Calgary Court of Justice on Thursday to schedule the hearing, which is set to begin on May 10. The proceedings were brief, and Stothard, who is currently at liberty, was not required to be present in court for this initial scheduling.
MacLeod informed Justice Sheri Epp that his client's mode of election for the trial is currently deemed to be judge and jury. He noted that any change to this election would require consent from the Crown prosecution, highlighting the procedural complexities involved in such high-profile cases.
Details of the Incident
The charges stem from an incident on May 29, 2023, when police responded to a report of suspicious activity in the Mayland Heights area. A security guard had reported three men fleeing in a stolen cube van, which was later observed driving erratically, striking a barricade and a building.
Officers initiated a slow-speed chase along Memorial Drive near Edmonton Trail. During the pursuit, police opened fire on the vehicle, resulting in the deaths of Levon Wildman, 39, and Wesley Davidson, 46, who were occupants of the van.
Investigation and Charges
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) conducted an investigation into the shootings. On July 15, 2023, ASIRT announced the charges against Const. Stothard, who had been formally arrested the previous day. The case was subsequently forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidence met the necessary prosecutorial standards to proceed.
Stothard appeared in the Calgary Court of King's Bench prior to the ASIRT announcement and was granted release under specific conditions. The Calgary Police Service acknowledged the charges in a statement, confirming that Stothard is on leave, though it did not specify whether this leave is paid or unpaid.
Broader Context and Implications
This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of police use of force and the legal processes involved in such incidents. The preliminary inquiry will assess the evidence to determine if there is sufficient grounds for a full trial, a critical step in the justice system for serious charges like second-degree murder.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case continues to draw public attention, reflecting broader discussions about accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions in Calgary and beyond.
