Calgary Police Officer Charged with Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder
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Calgary Police Officer Charged with Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder
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Calgary Police Officer Charged with Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder |
Officer faces charges following 2023 shooting incident on Memorial Drive |
Calgary Police Service officer Constable Craig Stothard has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with a 2023 shooting that resulted in the deaths of two men.
The charges stem from an incident on May 29, 2023, when police responded to reports of suspicious individuals on private property.
The suspects fled the scene in a stolen cube van, leading to a slow-speed pursuit along Memorial Drive.
During the pursuit, the van was reportedly driving erratically, prompting multiple police units to intervene.
According to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the situation escalated, resulting in Constable Stothard discharging his firearm at the vehicle.
Two occupants, identified as Wesley Davidson, 46, and Levon Boyce Fox, 39, were struck and later pronounced dead at the scene.
A third individual in the van, Dennis Wildman, 44, survived the incident and was taken into custody without charges.
Following a comprehensive investigation, ASIRT determined there were reasonable grounds to believe that offenses had been committed by Constable Stothard.
Consequently, the case was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which agreed that the evidence met the standard for prosecution.
On July 14, 2025, Constable Stothard was formally charged and appeared in court the following day.
He was released on bail under specific conditions, including a curfew and the surrender of his passport.
At the time of the incident, Constable Stothard had 13 years of service with the Calgary Police Service.
He has since been placed on leave pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
In a statement, the Calgary Police Service acknowledged the gravity of the charges and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
They emphasized their commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the judicial process.
Family members of the victims have expressed relief that charges have been laid after more than two years of seeking answers.
Lena Wildman, mother of Levon Boyce Fox, stated, "The officer that killed my son needs to be held accountable through the judicial process and does not warrant preferential treatment in the justice system."
Constable Stothard's legal counsel, Don MacLeod, has indicated that his client maintains his innocence and intends to mount a vigorous defense.
As the case proceeds through the courts, it continues to draw significant public attention, particularly within Indigenous communities, highlighting ongoing concerns about police interactions and accountability.
The Calgary Police Service has pledged to cooperate fully with the judicial process and to implement any necessary changes to restore public trust.
Further updates will be provided as the case develops. |