One of B.C.'s most-wanted fugitives returned to Canada from Puerto Rico
More than two years after being arrested in Puerto Rico, one of B.C.'s most-wanted fugitives has been returned to Canada.
In a news release Friday, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. announced Conor D'Monte was returned to Canada through a co-ordinated effort with the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canada Border Services Agency, Canadian Department of Justice, Canadian Consular Services and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.
D'Monte was wanted by Canadian officials for more than 10 years after being charged with the 2009 murder of Kevin LeClair. D'Monte, who was allegedly a high-ranking member of the United Nations gang at the time of the killing, was eventually arrested in 2022 in Puerto Rico, where he's been held since. He is now in a Canadian pre-trial facility.
"CFSEU-BC and our police partners from around the globe spent many years looking for Conor D'Monte. Just like other fugitives, including Rabih Alkhalil who is also one of Canada's 'Most Wanted,' CFSEU-BC and police will not stop until we catch those wanted for violent crimes," said Assistant Commissioner Manny Mann, CFSEU-BC’s chief officer, in a news release.
"With the assistance of the BOLO Program, police agencies, and the public, we will be able to bring them before the courts so they can stand trial and be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused."
LeClair was a member of the Red Scorpions gang, according to the CFSEU-BC, and one of many people killed in 2008 and 2009 in the Lower Mainland during the conflict between them and United Nations. Police said LeClair was shot in broad daylight at Langley strip mall in 2009.
Investigators previously said they believed D'Monte fled Canada in 2011 to avoid prosecution. In 2019, authorities announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
While living in Puerto Rico, D'Monte, apparently went by "Johnny Williams." Authorities said shortly after D'Monte's arrest they didn't know when he arrived on the Caribbean island, but said he settled into a rural, eastern mountain community near El Yunque rainforest on a street with no name.
CFSEU-BC said it's "now focused on supporting (D'Monte's) prosecution," and won't make further comment while his trial is pending.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Ian Holliday and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'lot of ground' remains between Canada Post, workers as strike talks progress
Canada Post and the postal workers union found slivers of consensus Tuesday amid talks with a special mediator, but 'a lot of ground' remains between them on the key concerns as a countrywide strike entered its fifth day.
Hurricane-force winds hitting parts of the B.C. coast as 'bomb cyclone' develops
Hurricane-force winds of more than 120 km/h are hitting parts of the British Columbia coast as a "bomb cyclone" develops off Vancouver Island.
Two undersea cables in Baltic Sea disrupted, sparking warnings of possible ‘hybrid warfare’
Two undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been suddenly disrupted, according to local telecommunications companies, amid fresh warnings of possible Russian interference with global undersea infrastructure.
Canada Post strike could hurt charity donations during holiday season
Charities and non-profits are having to pivot after nearly 55,000 workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers walked off the job Friday. The strike has halted mail from going out and charities are concerned it may stop donations from coming in.
Swiftie's friendship bracelet beads confiscated at Calgary airport
A Canadian Taylor Swift fan has some 'Bad Blood' with the Calgary International Airport after security staff confiscated hundreds of dollars worth of beads she was going to use to make friendship bracelets.
'Embarrassed': NDP MP calls on Randy Boissonnault to resign over false Indigenous claims
A Métis member of Parliament is calling on the employment minister to resign over what he calls harmful false claims to Indigenous ancestry.
Calgary doctor charged with sexual assault of multiple patients
A Calgary doctor is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting four patients between 2016 and 2020. Police say all four victims came forward independently in 2023 to report their alleged assaults.
Sitting too much linked to heart disease –– even if you work out, according to new study
Sitting at your desk all day may put you at greater risk for heart disease –– even if you work out in your spare time, according to new research.
Sarah McLachlan cancels anniversary tour due to health concerns
Sarah McLachlan fans will be saddened to learn the famed Canadian singer has cancelled her 30th anniversary “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” tour due to health concerns.