In an unprecedented development that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles across Canada, a Calgary police officer now faces two counts of second-degree murder stemming from a vehicle pursuit last year that ended in tragedy.
Constable Thomas Reilly, a seven-year veteran of the Calgary Police Service, was formally charged yesterday following an extensive investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) into the deaths of Marcus Chen, 19, and Samantha Woodley, 22, on September 3, 2023.
“This is one of the most serious charges ever brought against an active-duty police officer in Calgary’s history,” said Alberta Justice Minister Adriana LaGrange at a somber press conference. “These charges reflect our commitment that no one stands above the law, regardless of their position.”
According to court documents obtained by CO24 News, the fatal incident began as a routine traffic stop in Calgary’s northwest Brentwood neighborhood that escalated into a high-speed pursuit. Investigators allege that Constable Reilly continued the chase despite direct orders from his supervisor to stand down, ultimately resulting in a collision at the intersection of Crowchild Trail and 24th Avenue NW.
Both Chen and Woodley, university students returning from a late-night study session, died at the scene. Dashcam footage reportedly shows Reilly’s police cruiser making contact with the victims’ vehicle moments before it crashed into a concrete barrier.
Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld expressed profound regret when addressing the Canada News media: “This is a devastating day for everyone involved—the families of the deceased, our service, and our community. We are cooperating fully with prosecutors and remain committed to transparency throughout this difficult process.”
The charges have intensified the national debate around police pursuit policies. Statistics from Public Safety Canada reveal that high-speed police chases result in approximately 30 civilian deaths annually across the country.
“Police pursuit protocols exist precisely to prevent these kinds of tragedies,” explained criminologist Dr. Evelyn Reid from the University of Calgary. “When officers disregard these protocols, the consequences can be devastating, as we’ve tragically seen in this case.”
The families of Chen and Woodley have filed a separate $4.5 million civil lawsuit against both Reilly and the Calgary Police Service, citing negligence and failure to follow established protocols.
Defense attorney James Robertson stated that his client maintains his innocence and will vigorously contest the charges. “Constable Reilly was acting within the scope of his duties to protect public safety from what he reasonably believed was an imminent threat,” Robertson told CO24 Politics.
The Calgary Police Association has remained notably quiet, issuing only a brief statement acknowledging the seriousness of the charges while emphasizing the importance of due process.
Reilly has been suspended without pay and released on strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and firearms. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 12.
As this case moves through the judicial system, Canadians are left to grapple with difficult questions about accountability in law enforcement and the balance between public safety and police authority. When do the risks of a high-speed pursuit outweigh the potential benefits, and who bears responsibility when protocols designed to protect lives are not followed?
