Calgary police officer's murder trial hearing begins with publication ban

Evidence commenced Monday, August 10 in the committal hearing to determine whether Calgary police Const. Craig Stothard will stand trial for murder in the fatal shooting of two suspects more than three years ago.

Justice Mark Mastel issued a publication ban on evidence being presented, as requested by Stothard's defence counsel Don MacLeod. Crown prosecutor Jeff Rudiak indicated he would be calling 23 witnesses over the course of the hearing, which is scheduled for two weeks, with witnesses currently set to conclude by August 12.

Stothard faces two charges of second-degree murder in connection with the May 29, 2023 fatal shootings of Levon Fox, 39, and Wesley Davidson, 46. The Alberta Serious Response Team announced the charges on July 15, 2025, more than two years after the deadly incident. At the time of the shooting, Calgary police indicated officers opened fire on a stolen cube van the two men occupied following a slow-speed chase on Memorial Drive, after a security guard reported three suspicious men who had fled in the vehicle.

Following ASIRT's investigation, the case was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, which determined the evidence met prosecutorial standards. If convicted of second-degree murder, Stothard would face an automatic life sentence with parole ineligibility set between 10 and 25 years.

Stothard has remained at liberty since his detention when charges were laid. The Calgary Police Service acknowledged the charges and said he was on leave but did not indicate whether that was paid or unpaid.