(Date unknown)
Kidnap suspect pleads guilty[singlepic=42,320,240,,right]
Louie Rosella
Staff
A 25-year-old man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to kidnapping and firearm charges in connection with the abduction last month of a 16-year-old boy outside of Erin Mills Town Center.
Kurt Downer entered the surprise pleas in Brampton court before Justice Hugh Atwood, less then a week after being arrested by Peel Regional police in Meadowvale while in possession of a semi-automatic handgun. Downer had been wanted in connection with the May 23 abduction, which police believe was kidnapping-for-ransom scheme.
Police say a group of older teens abducted the 16-year-old from the parking lot outside the Eglinton Ave. / Erin Mills Pkwy. Mall.
The victim was found unhurt a few hours later in the area of Bristol and Creditveiw Rd.
“Given the insurmountable evidence against him, Mr. Downer felt it was the best interest of himself and the public to accept responsibility for his actions, which is true demonstration of remorse,” said Downers lawyer, Gary Batasar, of the early plea. “We were prepared to fight these allegations all the way, but my instructions for Mr. Downer was that he wanted the matte solved.”
Investigators are still looking for Shane Sutherland, 29, in connection with the abduction.
Police earlier arrested Sem Tesfamariam, 18, of Mississauga and Kumar Lawrence, 18, of no fixed address. They have been charged with kidnapping.
(Date unknown)
PEEL POLICE ISSUE WARRANT FOR SUSPECT KIDNAPPER
Louie Rosella
Staff
Two men are facing charges and another is being sought by police in connection with the kidnapping on Wednesday afternoon of a 16 year old boy in Erin Mills.
Peel Regional Police have issued an arrest warrant for Kurt Maurice Downer, 25, after a teen was kidnapped outside of Erin Mills Town Center, just before 4.pm.
Downer’s lawyer, Gary Batasar told the news he expects to be contacted by his client, but offered no further comment.
Police say a group of older teens abducted the 16 year old from the parking lot outside of Eglinton Ave. / Erin Mills Pkwy. shopping mall.
The victim was found unhurt by police after a few hours in the area of Bristol and Creditview Rds.
Officers with the Peel police Tactical rescue Unit detained several people in relation to the kidnapping.
Facing charged of kidnapping are Sem Tesfamariam, 18, of Mississauga and Kumar Lawrence, 18, of no fixed address.
MOTIVE UNCLEAR TO POLICE.
The motive for the kidnapping isn’t clear, said Peel Cst. Jodi Dawson.
“Investigators are working to identify several other parties who were involved,” she said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133
Or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
In an unrelated case, the Peel Crown Attorney in May 2006, stayed charges against Downer, who had been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder in connection with an Aug.30, 2005, shooting at Mississauga’s D’Martini Lounge. Jones Connolly was shot to dead and his 22-year old friend was badly injured.
A staying of charges means the Crown is no longer actively pursuing the matter, but the authorities can re-visit the charges at a later date if necessary.
Comments are closed.