Latest news with #Rav4
Calgary Herald
07-07-2025
- Calgary Herald
Calgary woman's slaying by previously convicted killer was first-degree murder, judge finds
Article content Previously convicted killer Christopher Ward Dunlop left his Calgary home in the early hours of Feb. 16, 2023, with murder on his mind, a judge ruled Monday. Article content In finding the Calgary man guilty of first-degree murder, Justice Colin Feasby not only ruled the death of sex-trade worker Judy Maer z was a planned and deliberate act, but also likely occurred in the course of a sexual assault. Article content Article content Article content And Feasby said if Dunlop chose Maerz as his victim because he thought her vocation would make her less likely to be missed, his plan was flawed. Article content Article content 'The police work … was thorough and reflects a significant investment of resources and commitment to uncovering the truth. CPS investigated the murder of Ms. Maerz with the same energy and determination that they would the murder of any other Calgarian. That is as it should be.' Article content Article content Article content Dunlop served a 13-year term after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the killing of Furlan, whom he strangled while having sex with her at Deerfoot Athletic Park, the same location where he murdered Maerz. Article content In that case, Dunlop told undercover officers 'he was angry and looking for someone who 'would not be missed.' ' Article content Feasby said it was unnecessary to conclude the similarities between the two crimes was evidence the Maerz murder was planned and deliberate. Article content Instead, he said, Dunlop's conduct leading up to the brutal stabbing of Maerz shortly after 3 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2023, after he had picked her up on the Forest Lawn stroll and drove her to Deerfoot Athletic Park, was sufficient evidence to determine both planning and deliberation. Article content That morning, Dunlop left his northeast Calgary home in his orange Dodge Ram pickup truck and drove to the Peter Lougheed Centre, where his wife worked, and took her orange Rav4 while leaving his own vehicle behind.
Calgary Herald
20-06-2025
- Calgary Herald
Crown seeks first-degree murder conviction against Calgary man in 'grotesque' killing of woman
Slain Calgary sex-trade worker Judy Maerz fought for her life before murder suspect Christopher Ward Dunlop killed her, a prosecutor suggested Friday. Article content In seeking a first-degree murder conviction against Dunlop, Crown prosecutor Greg Piper said the evidence points to no other conclusion. Article content Article content Piper noted Maerz had defensive wounds on her hands and arms and Dunlop likely cut himself in the brutal attack in a northeast Calgary athletic park, which he described as a 'grotesque … overkilling.' Article content Article content Blood found in the snow near Maerz's torched remains, initially thought to be hers, came back first as being male and a later DNA analysis determined it was Dunlop's. Article content Article content 'In the attack it turned into a fight, or a struggle,' Piper told Justice Colin Feasby. Article content 'What we're asking you to find is Ms. Maerz fought for her life and in that process Mr. Dunlop was cut.' Article content The prosecutor said video footage of Dunlop at a pet store the afternoon of Feb. 15, 2023, the day before Maerz's body was found in the Deerfoot Athletic Park showed his right index finger was fine. Article content But CCTV surveillance from the following afternoon captured Dunlop with a blood-stained wrap around that same digit, Piper said. Article content He told Feasby the logical inference was the blood stain found near Maerz's body was Dunlop's and it was deposited during the killing. Article content Dunlop, who previously served the equivalent of a 13-year sentence for manslaughter in the 2009 killing of sex-trade worker Laura Furlan, faces Feb. 16, 2023, charges of murder and causing and indignity to a body for setting the victim's remains on fire. Article content Article content Piper said scratches on Dunlop's arm noted after his March 1, arrest were also consistent with the victim fighting for her life. Article content 'Male DNA was on her fingernails,' Piper said, noting not in sufficient quantity to create a scientific profile. Article content Piper also said CCTV footage entered into evidence during his and co-prosecutor Hyatt Mograbee's case should lead to the conclusion Dunlop picked up Maerz on the Forest Lawn stroll on 19th Avenue S.E. in his wife's Rav4 and took her to the park off 8th Avenue N.E. Article content He said while surveillance evidence can have its drawbacks 'it is an objective, silent, disproportionate observer.' Article content Among the pieces of video evidence introduced in the case was CCTV footage from a Peter Lougheed Centre parking lot where Dunlop's wife had parked her SUV. Article content
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Penn Hills man charged in connection with deadly Monroeville crash
Police have charged a Penn Hils man in connection with a crash in Monroeville that killed a woman and hurt three more in 2024. Allegheny County police say Marcus Alston Sr., 49, was the driver of a Nissan Pathfinder that crashed into the rear of a Toyota Rav 4 around midnight on Nov. 3 on Route 22, William Penn Highway. According to detectives, Alston's vehicle was traveling at more than 90 miles per hour when the crash occurred. The posted speed limit there is 35 miles per hour. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Drivers warn stretch of Rt. 22 in Monroeville is dangerous following several deadly crashes Both Alston's vehicle and the Rav 4 had two adult occupants. Police say all four were taken to area hospitals in stable condition. Shiya Young, the passenger in Alston's vehicle, was pronounced dead. Detectives say Alston's blood alcohol content was .233 percent, and he was found to have a suspended driver's license. Alston is now facing multiple charges, including homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI, involuntary manslaughter and recklessly endangering another person. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
CHP probes fatal crash near San Mateo Toll Bridge Plaza with SUV, DOT vehicles
(KRON) — An investigation is underway after a fatal crash near the San Mateo Toll Bridge Plaza in Alameda County on Tuesday morning involving a SUV and multiple Department of Transportation vehicles, according to the California Highway Patrol Redwood Area office. United flight from China to SFO aborted after engine reportedly catches fire CHP said its officers responded to the at 7:12 a.m. after the driver of a Toyota Rav 4 was allegedly speeding eastbound on State Road-92. 'For reasons still under investigation, the Rav 4 failed to enter the toll crossings and entered the Department of Transportation parking lot. A crash occurred between the Rav 4 and several Department of Transportation vehicles. All DOT vehicles were parked and there were no occupants within those vehicles,' said Officer Ojeda of CHP in a news release. CHP said emergency responders determined the driver of the Rav 4 died in the collision. The eastbound lanes of State Road-92 were shut down for just over three hours following the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RTÉ News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Toyota to launch Rav 4 plug-in with extended range
Toyota's latest iteration of the Rav 4 plug-in is to have a significant increase in battery capacity that the company says will allow it to drive in electric mode for up to 100 kilometres. The revised vehicle should be in Ireland by early next year and will be similar in size to the current model. The new car's designers have opted for a more rugged look compared to the softer profile of the current car, with more prominent wheel arches and a boxier, more angular shape overall. There's a new 22.7 kWh battery to increase the electric range to 100 kilometres, which Toyota says will be sufficient to meet most drivers' needs. In addition, a new 50 kWh on-board charger will be able to get the battery from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in about 30 minutes, which will be a welcome development for PHEV drivers used to slower charging times. Non-fast charger times have also been improved. The 150 kWh motor - an increase of 16 kWh - delivers better acceleration, and a new cooling system has been developed to keep the battery operating at optimum efficiency. A full hybrid version, with a 2.5 engine, will also be introduced. In what should be a welcome development, Toyota will introduce a new software package with the new Rav4, and a 12.9" infotainment screen will have better and faster connectivity. The car's standard safety package has also been improved, with an enhanced pre-collision system and better lane-changing capacity. Voice commands will allow the driver to direct navigation, media, in-car temperature, and vehicle control. The driver's screen will be a 12.3" unit. On the EV front, Nissan has revealed its electric version of the Micra - one of the world's enduring city cars. Closely related to the new electric Renault 5, the Micra has some retro touches, such as the front and rear lights, that nod to previous versions of the car, first launched in 1982. The electric Micra will have two battery options - a 40 kWh unit with a claimed range of 310 kilometres and a 52 kWh unit with a claimed range of 408 kilometres. Nissan says the car should be capable of a fast charge capacity of 15 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. A heat pump, which allows for better efficiency in colder weather, will be standard. Interestingly, the car weighs in at 1,400 kg, which should help significantly with range. The boot capacity is a practical 326 litres. From the mid-range up, the Micra will have a Google-powered infotainment system for its 10.1" screen and the interior has been given a significant upgrade. A comprehensive safety system is also included.
