Tragic Incident Unfolds in Calgary
In a shocking turn of events, a Calgary police officer, Constable Craig Stothard, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder following a deadly shooting in 2023. The incident occurred on May 29, 2023, after a slow-speed chase involving a stolen five-ton cube van in northeast Calgary. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the province's police watchdog, investigated the event and recommended charges against Stothard, a 13-year veteran of the Calgary Police Service.
The chase began when police received multiple calls about an alleged impaired driver operating the van 'erratically' along Memorial Drive. Officers located the vehicle heading west and deployed several units to block intersections and bridges, aiming to prevent the van from reaching downtown or residential areas. According to ASIRT, the situation escalated when shots were fired on the van, resulting in the deaths of two men, identified as Levon Fox Wildman and Wesley Davidson.
Family Reactions and Legal Proceedings
The families of the victims have expressed a mix of emotions following the announcement of charges on July 14. Levon Fox Wildman's mother shared her feelings of relief but also lingering anger and skepticism about the judicial process. 'I'm thankful that charges have been laid, but I still have doubts about whether justice will truly be served for my son,' she stated, reflecting the pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances.
Constable Stothard’s case is set to return to court on August 27, marking the next step in a legal process that has drawn significant attention. ASIRT's investigation concluded that there was sufficient evidence to support the murder charges, though specific details about the shooting itself remain limited at this stage. The Calgary Police Service has not commented extensively on the case, deferring to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Community and Police Oversight Implications
This case has sparked discussions about police use of force and oversight in Alberta. ASIRT's role in investigating officer-involved incidents ensures an independent review, but the rarity of murder charges against a police officer has raised questions about accountability and training within law enforcement. Community members have taken to social media platforms like X to express varied opinions, with some questioning the justification of lethal force during a slow-speed pursuit.
As the court date approaches, the focus remains on uncovering the full details of what transpired during those critical moments on Memorial Drive. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future, not just in Calgary but across Canada. For now, the families of Levon Fox Wildman and Wesley Davidson await answers, hoping for closure in the wake of their tragic loss.