The sentencing for Mohamad Lilo, the former boyfriend charged in the brazen kidnapping of missing Ontario woman Elnaz Hajtamiri, has been unexpectedly delayed after dramatic courtroom developments.
Lilo appeared in an Orangeville courtroom seeking an adjournment after dismissing his previous legal counsel. The 36-year-old Richmond Hill man pleaded guilty last fall to kidnapping his ex-girlfriend in what authorities describe as a violent parking garage abduction.
Shocking Kidnapping Captured on Video
The case centers around the January 2022 disappearance of Elnaz Hajtamiri, who was forcibly taken from a relative's home in Wasaga Beach. Chilling surveillance footage showed three men disguised as police officers dragging the 37-year-old woman from the garage.
Hajtamiri remains missing despite extensive searches and police investigations spanning multiple jurisdictions. The kidnapping sent shockwaves through Ontario's Persian community and sparked widespread media attention.
Legal Maneuvers Delay Justice
Court proceedings hit a snag when Lilo informed Justice John Olver that he had terminated his lawyer's services. The judge agreed to postpone the sentencing until September 6th, giving Lilo time to secure new legal representation.
This isn't the first time Lilo has changed lawyers during the proceedings, adding complexity to a case that has already seen numerous twists. The Crown prosecutor consented to the adjournment, acknowledging the defendant's right to proper counsel.
Broader Investigation Continues
While Liro faces justice for his role in the kidnapping, police continue investigating Hajtamiri's ultimate fate and the possible involvement of additional suspects. The Ontario Provincial Police have treated the case as a potential homicide since early in their investigation.
The sentencing delay means the Hajtamiri family must wait longer for closure in a case that has gripped Canadians concerned about violence against women and intimate partner violence.
