In an unprecedented development that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles, Calgary Police Service Constable Craig Stothard now stands charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder following a fatal shooting that occurred last year while he was on duty. This rare case marks one of the few instances where an active police officer in Canada faces such serious charges for actions taken during service.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) announced the charges against the 33-year-old officer on Tuesday, stemming from a March 2023 incident that left 28-year-old Levon Fox-Wesley dead and another individual wounded. According to investigators, the shooting occurred during what began as a routine vehicle check in northeast Calgary.
“The decision to lay charges against an officer is never taken lightly,” said Susan Hughson, executive director of ASIRT at a press conference. “Our investigation thoroughly examined all available evidence, including officer statements, witness testimonies, and forensic findings before determining these charges were warranted.”
The events unfolded when Stothard and his partner approached a vehicle they deemed suspicious near Falconridge Boulevard. What began as a standard procedure rapidly escalated, resulting in Stothard discharging his service weapon multiple times. Fox-Wesley died at the scene, while the second victim, whose identity remains protected, survived with serious injuries.
Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld addressed the charges in a somber statement, emphasizing the service’s commitment to accountability: “This is a difficult day for everyone involved—the victims and their families, our service members, and our broader community. We respect the judicial process and will continue cooperating fully as this case moves forward.”
Court documents reveal that prosecutors believe Stothard’s use of force exceeded what was reasonable under the circumstances, contradicting initial reports that the officer had acted in self-defense. Sources close to the Canada News investigation indicate that dashboard camera footage played a crucial role in the decision to pursue charges.
The case has ignited intense debate about police use of force protocols and accountability mechanisms across Canadian law enforcement agencies. Legal experts note that convictions of on-duty officers remain exceedingly rare, with only a handful of precedents in Canadian history.
“These charges represent an important test of our justice system,” said Dr. Emilia Thornton, professor of criminology at the University of Calgary. “The bar for prosecuting police officers has historically been very high, but we’re seeing a gradual shift toward greater accountability following public demands for transparency.”
Fox-Wesley’s family expressed mixed emotions upon learning of the charges. “Nothing will bring Levon back to us,” said Davidson Fox-Wesley, the victim’s father. “But we hope this process brings some measure of justice and prevents another family from experiencing this kind of loss.”
Stothard, who has served with the Calgary Police Service for seven years, has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of legal proceedings. His lawyer indicated he will plead not guilty when he appears in court next month.
The Calgary Police Association has urged the public to reserve judgment until all facts are presented in court. “We recognize the gravity of these charges,” said association president Mark Flynn. “However, we also believe in the presumption of innocence and our member’s right to a fair trial.”
As this case progresses through the courts, it raises profound questions about the balance between empowering police to protect communities while ensuring proper oversight when that authority is potentially misused. How will this watershed moment reshape police training and accountability standards across Canada’s law enforcement institutions?
