Home invasion matter coming back to court
Three Lethbridge people accused in relation to a home invasion and robbery in March will be back in court early next month.
One of the accused, Donovan James Holmberg, remains in custody, and his matter was in Lethbridge court of justice on Monday where an agent for his lawyer simply requested an adjournment until next week.
Holmberg, 38, is charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of using a stolen credit card, and single counts of break and enter to commit robbery, robbery with a firearm, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, disguised with intent and possession of a firearm while prohibited.
The charges stem from an incident on March 9 when police responded to a report that a 67-year-old man had been injured during an early morning home invasion. Police learned the man had met a woman online and agreed to meet with her at his home.
When he answered the door, the woman and two masked men, who were armed with a firearm and knife, forced their way into the home. The suspects stole property from the victim, including his wallet and cell phone, struck him in the face with the firearm and cut him with the knife before fleeing in an SUV.
The victim’s bank cards were used at local convenience stores by a man who was recorded on video surveillance and subsequently identified by police. Following further investigation, the woman and other man were also identified.
On March 11, police found and arrested the woman. A day later the two men were also arrested. One of the men had a black BB handgun and property belonging to the victim.
On March 12, police searched a vehicle and a home in the 1000 block of 27 A Street North. Inside the residence police found clothing worn by the suspects and more property belonging to the victim. Another woman was arrested at the home for offences unrelated to the robbery and assault.
Co-accused, Amber Louise Dunn, 31, was released from custody a few days later following a brief court appearance. Her matter was in court last Friday and adjourned to May 10 which, defence said, will allow time to continue resolution discussions with the Crown.
Dunn was released on a promise to pay $1,000 should she breach any of her release conditions, which include avoiding contact with several specific individuals, living at a specific residence in the Village of Barons, and obeying a curfew every day from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. She was also prohibited from possessing or buying alcohol, drugs, and weapons.
A third accused, Cole Randall Martin, 35, is charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and single counts of break and enter to commit robbery, robbery with a firearm, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault and disguised with intent.
Martin was released from custody during a judicial interim release hearing following his arrest. He was last in court on Friday, as well, but his lawyer indicated he may have a conflict with the case and it was adjourned to May 10.