Two suspects’ charges upgraded in homicide case

Two of three suspects in the slaying of a Calgary Uber driver whose body was found west of the city last December are now facing more serious charges.

Trista Nadene Tinkler and Robert Daignault appeared briefly by video in Calgary provincial court Monday on upgraded charges of first-degree murder in the death of Kasif Hirani.

The pair had been charged separately with second-degree murder in the killing of Hirani, whose body was discovered on a rural road near the Springbank Airport on Dec. 29.

Daignault’s lawyer, Adriano Iovinelli, told provincial court Judge Karen Crowshoe that the Crown is now alleging Hirani was unlawfully confined at the time of his killing, which would elevate murder to first-degree.

Mounties believe the death is linked to Hirani’s stolen Kia Optima, which was found in Calgary on Jan. 13.

Iovinelli agreed with Tinkler’s lawyer, Shamsher Kothari, that a previously scheduled week-long preliminary inquiry on her behalf could proceed against both accused on Nov. 30.

Tinkler, 34, was originally charged by herself in connection with the death of Hirani, 30.

But last month murder charges were laid against Daignault, 52, of Calgary, and Airdrie resident Andrew Christal, 32.

Christal also appeared before Crowshoe, but remains charged separately from the other two.

All three accused remain in custody pending a resolution to their cases as none of them have applied for bail.