Charges withdrawn against MLA’s sister
Victoria Levesque’s body was found in rural area near Lyalta on the weekend
Criminal charges against the sister of Calgary-Bow MLA Deborah Drever, whose body was found on the weekend east of the city, were withdrawn Tuesday, once the Crown learned she was dead.
“With the greatest respect to her family, the Crown withdraws all charges,” prosecutor Janice Walsh told provincial court Judge George Gaschler.
Victoria Levesque faced nine charges, including assault with a weapon and uttering threats, in connection with separate incidents in 2015 and 2016.
She was also charged with harassment, assault, possession of stolen property, two allegations of possessing controlled substances and two of failing to appear in court.
The body of Levesque, 25, was found Saturday near the town of Lyalta, about 50 kilometres east of Calgary.
Drever confirmed to Postmedia Monday Levesque was her sister.
“The news of Victoria’s death has come with shock and deep sadness to her family and friends,” Drever said in a statement.
“She was a bright young woman, who deserves to be remembered for her good humour, her love of animals and her genuine desire to bring others happiness.”
Levesque was originally charged last July with harassment, uttering threats, assault, and assault with a weapon.
She failed to appear in court on Nov. 15, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
She was picked up in January and re-released, but failed to attend court again on Jan. 30. A second arrest warrant was held back to determine if she would appear in court Tuesday.
Defence counsel Adriano Iovinelli said he was told about his client’s death on Monday.
“I’ve spoken to the RCMP (Monday) in relation to any involvement I’ve had on the file,” he told Gaschler.
The judge said he was aware of the woman’s death. “I think I read that in the paper,” he said.
Cpl. Hal Turnbull of Strathmore RCMP said Levesque’s body was discovered after police were called to a rural area near Lyalta shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Turnbull could not comment on the cause of death and an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.
Drever declined to be interviewed but instead referred to a family statement.
“During this time of grief, and as the investigation into her death continues, we request privacy out of respect for the loss of our loved one,” the statement said.
“We request the media and the public refrain from speculation and respect the memory of Victoria.”
The RCMP major crimes, forensic identification section and members from Strathmore RCMP continue to investigate what led to Levesque’s death.