Calgary husband guilty of second-degree murder after fatally hitting wife with U-Haul van
A Calgary man has been found guilty of murdering his wife after running her down with a U-Haul van in a disturbing domestic homicide.
Justice Blair Nixon found Ronald Candaele guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday morning in the death of his wife Melissa Rae Blommaert in Bowness in February 2020.
A two-week trial took place in early May.
The 33-year-old victim was found unconscious, lying on the roadway in the 8000 block of 34th Avenue N.W. around 6 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2020. She was taken to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition, where she was later pronounced dead.
In his verdict, Nixon said Crown prosecutors Hyatt Mograbee and Robert Marquette proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Candaele deliberately struck the victim with a fully loaded U-Haul vehicle.
"She did not die by accident and he did not stop to assist her in a time of critical need," he said.
Nixon also noted Candaele didn’t return to the scene after the fact and that his story about what happened to his partner repeatedly changed between taking to a 911 operator and police.
As Nixon read his verdict, Candaele repeatedly shook his head in court.
During the trial, the court heard that several neighbours heard yelling as well as the sound of a revving engine just before the crash.
Domestic violence advocates say they are glad to see accountability but say these outcomes happen far too often in the city.
"I want people to be shocked and disturbed because it’s shocking and disturbing," says Andrea Silverstone with the Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society.
"But I think that shock and disturbance needs to promote us as a society to do something to make sure that we’re getting upstream of this issue, stopping violence before it begins, and holding each one of us accountable."
Candaele’s lawyer says they will review the decision before deciding if they’ll appeal.
A second-degree murder conviction comes with an automatic life sentence, but Candaele will be back in court for a sentencing hearing for parole eligibility on July 23.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or have questions about domestic violence you can contact police or phone 403-234-SAFE (7233) or visit Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.