🚨 Tragic Case in #Calgary: Man faces 15-18 years for running over wife with U-Haul. A deep dive into domestic violence & justice. #Alberta #JusticeMatters 💔
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Calgary Husband Who Drove Over Wife with U-Haul Should Spend 15-18 Years in Prison for Manslaughter: Crown
Introduction
The tragic case of Ronald John Candaele and Melissa Rae Blommaert has resurfaced in the Calgary courts, drawing significant attention and sparking discussions on domestic violence and justice. The Crown is arguing for a severe sentence for Candaele, who was initially convicted of second-degree murder but had his conviction reduced to manslaughter on appeal. This blog post delves into the details of the case, the court proceedings, and the broader implications of domestic violence in our society.
Background of the Case
In February 2020, Ronald John Candaele fatally ran over his wife, Melissa Rae Blommaert, with a U-Haul truck. This tragic incident occurred after the couple had been evicted from their subsidized housing apartment. They rented a U-Haul to move their belongings, but a heated argument led to the fatal encounter on a street in the northwest community of Bowness, Calgary.
A History of Violence
Candaele's relationship with Blommaert was marred by a history of domestic violence. He had previous convictions for violence against his wife and was under a court-ordered condition to stay away from her at the time of the incident. Despite this, the couple was together on the night of the tragedy, leading to the fatal confrontation.
The Court's Ruling
In 2021, Candaele was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 16 years. However, he appealed the conviction, and in April 2023, the Alberta Court of Appeal ruled that Candaele was guilty of manslaughter, not murder. The case was sent back to the trial judge for resentencing, which is now the focus of the court proceedings.
Crown's Argument for Severe Sentencing
On Friday, Court of King's Bench Justice Blair Nixon heard sentencing submissions from both the defence and the prosecution. Prosecutor Robert Marquette described the killing as "a heinous act of domestic violence" and argued that Candaele should receive a prison term of between 15 and 18 years. Marquette emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, "[Candaele] is the author of this situation, he killed the mother of his children."
Defence's Plea for Leniency
Defence lawyer Kim Ross, on the other hand, argued for a more lenient sentence of between six and 10 years. Ross contended that the killing was "a very spontaneous act" and urged the judge to consider this in his decision. Throughout Ross's submissions, Candaele could be heard crying, highlighting the emotional weight of the proceedings.
The Night of the Tragedy
On the night of February 10, 2020, the couple's argument escalated to a deadly confrontation. Blommaert exited the U-Haul in anger and began walking away when Candaele drove into her, ran over her, and then left her to die in the middle of the street on a cold winter night. This callous act underscored the severity of Candaele's actions and the tragic end of Blommaert's life.
Broader Implications
Domestic Violence
This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families. Candaele's history of abusing his wife and the tragic culmination of this violence serve as a stark reminder of the need for effective interventions and support systems for victims of domestic abuse.
Legal Perspectives
The court's decision to reduce Candaele's conviction from murder to manslaughter has sparked debates about the legal distinctions between these charges and the appropriate sentences for such crimes. The upcoming sentencing decision will be closely watched, as it will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
Conclusion
The case of Ronald John Candaele and Melissa Rae Blommaert is a tragic example of domestic violence escalating to a fatal conclusion. As the court prepares to resentence Candaele, the arguments presented by both the Crown and the defence highlight the complexities of justice in cases of domestic violence. This case underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence proactively and ensuring that victims receive the support and protection they need. The final sentencing decision will hopefully reflect the gravity of the crime and serve as a step toward justice for Melissa Rae Blommaert and other victims of domestic violence.