2 days ago
Man charged with dangerous driving in death of Calgary girl, 9, pleads guilty
Victoria Desjardins, 9, died in hospital after her family's vehicle was struck by a driver who police say was fleeing officers when he ran a red light on Dec. 26, 2024.
A man charged with dangerous driving in the death of a nine-year-old girl who was injured in a crash involving a stolen vehicle in December 2024 has pleaded guilty to multiple offences.
Crown prosecutors confirmed Duane Arlen John Nepoose pleaded guilty to charges including dangerous driving causing death, three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and robbery in a Calgary courtroom Friday.
The charges stem from an incident that took place on Boxing Day, when a vehicle carrying a Calgary family was struck by a stolen vehicle fleeing from police.
Three of the victims of the crash, Amanda Reitmeier and her daughters, 12-year-old Madison and nine-year-old Victoria Desjardins, were rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition.
Victoria later died in hospital.
Her family remembered her as a kind girl who loved animals and sports.
Officials say the incident began as a robbery around 9:30 a.m. at a Pharmasave at 15 Millrise Blvd. S.W.
Police said a pharmacist was attacked and their vehicle was stolen, and the suspect fled the scene at a high rate of speed, refusing to stop for police.
HAWCS followed the vehicle, police said, but it ran a red light at Southland Drive and Macleod Trail, colliding with four other vehicles.
Nepoose's next appearance in court has not yet been scheduled.
