Calgary Shooting Victim Testifies He Cannot Identify Attacker in Court
In a significant legal proceeding at the Calgary Courts Centre, a man who survived a violent shooting that claimed the life of his friend has testified that he cannot identify the person responsible for the attack. The case, which unfolded in Calgary courts from February 2 to 6, 2026, highlights the complexities of gun violence investigations and the challenges faced by victims in recalling traumatic events.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The incident occurred on May 18, 2023, around 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of 27th Avenue and 23rd Street N.E. in northeast Calgary. Daniel Spagnolo testified that he was shot three times while driving with his friend, Graeme McColm, to pick up contraband cigarettes. The attack resulted in McColm's death, with Spagnolo sustaining serious injuries.
Spagnolo described the moment of the shooting as a "white flash" accompanied by loud ringing in his ear. He recounted being struck in the right arm first, rendering it unusable, followed by a bullet to his stomach that caused him to fall to the ground. A third bullet hit his right leg and remains lodged in a bone, as medical professionals deemed it too large to remove safely.
Court Testimony and Lack of Recall
During his testimony before Crown prosecutor Carla MacPhail, Spagnolo admitted that his memory of the events is fragmented and confusing. "Nothing really makes sense to me," he stated, emphasizing that he cannot identify the shooter. This lack of recall complicates the prosecution's case against the accused, Tyler James Redden, who faces charges of attempted murder for shooting Spagnolo and second-degree murder for McColm's killing.
Spagnolo mentioned that he had approached Redden's father and engaged in an altercation with him, with Redden nearby in a separate vehicle. However, he clarified that this interaction does not provide clarity on who fired the shots. He learned of McColm's death while receiving treatment in the hospital for his own wounds, having no recollection of what happened to his friend during the attack.
Text Message Evidence and Cross-Examination
The court heard about a series of text messages exchanged between Spagnolo and Redden on the day of the shooting. One message attributed to Redden stated, "I have a bullet with 'Dan' engraved in it," suggesting a threatening tone. Under cross-examination by defence counsel Alain Hepner, Spagnolo denied threatening Redden or seeking revenge, insisting he only wanted to retrieve his property, specifically the contraband cigarettes.
Hepner presented texts implying that Spagnolo had threatened Redden's family, including questions about who would get a bullet—"you or your mom"—and references to Redden's autistic daughter. Spagnolo responded that he did not remember sending such messages, further highlighting the discrepancies in the evidence.
Broader Context and Legal Implications
This case is part of a series of noteworthy legal proceedings in Calgary, underscoring the ongoing issues of gun violence and public safety in the city. The testimony reveals the profound impact of such incidents on victims, both physically and mentally, and the difficulties in securing convictions when key witnesses cannot provide definitive identifications.
The trial continues as the court examines additional evidence, including forensic reports and witness statements, to determine the facts surrounding this tragic event. The outcome may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in terms of victim support and investigative techniques.
