Skip to Main content

9.25°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Feb 27, 2025 12:42 PM - The Canadian Press

Justice minister orders new trial for Alberta man convicted of murder in 1991

Share On

justice-minister-orders-new-trial-for-alberta-man-convicted-of-murder-in-1991

The office of Justice Minister Arif Virani says the minister found reasonable grounds to conclude there was a miscarriage of justice in the case.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

The federal justice minister has ordered a new trial for a man convicted of second-degree murder in Alberta more than three decades ago.

Roy Allan Sobotiak was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Susan Kaminsky, who disappeared in 1987.

The office of Justice Minister Arif Virani says the minister found reasonable grounds to conclude there was a miscarriage of justice in the case.

Virani’s office says new information has been identified which wasn’t considered by the courts during the initial trial or appeal.

The Alberta Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by Sobotiak in 1994, and the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear his appeal in 2004.

Sobotiak applied to the justice minister’s office for a conviction review in February 2021.

Latest news

man-pleads-guilty-to-manslaughter-in-fatal-coquitlam-pub-stabbing

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in fatal Coquitlam pub stabbing

A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing outside a pub in Coquitlam last year, according to homicide investigators. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Timothy Vansnick was originally charged with second-degree murder following the incident on Jan. 31, 2025. Police said the stabbing occurred after a fight outside the pub. Bystanders attempted first aid before emergency responders continued life-saving efforts, but the victim died at the scene. Investigators said Vansnick was charged with second-degree murder on Feb. 1, 2025. On Tuesda

water-restored-in-parts-of-kamloops-but-boil-water-advisory-and-restrictions-remain

Water restored in parts of Kamloops, but boil water advisory and restrictions remain

Water service has been restored to parts of Kamloops following a major water main break in the city’s east end, but officials say the supply remains unsafe to drink as repair work continues. The City of Kamloops said potable water trucks will remain stationed at four locations in the affected area through Friday to provide residents with safe drinking water. According to the city, residents are also being asked to temporarily stop using water again until 6 p.m. Thursday while crews complete what officials described as a critical repair to the damaged main. City officials said the temporary s

vancouver-police-seek-public-help-locating-missing-man-last-seen-near-vgh

Vancouver police seek public help locating missing man last seen near VGH

Vancouver Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 30-year-old man who was last seen near Vancouver General Hospital early Thursday morning. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, Sahil Dhallay was last seen around midnight on May 14 in the area of Vancouver General Hospital. Police described Dhallay as a South Asian man who was wearing a brown hospital gown and no shoes at the time he was last seen. Authorities said anyone who sees Dhallay should call 9-1-1 immediately and should not approach him. The case remains under investigation as police continue efforts to l

alberta-court-blocks-separation-petition-over-lack-of-first-nations-consultation

AlbertaMay 14, 2026

Alberta court blocks separation petition over lack of First Nations consultation

An Alberta court has dismissed a petition related to separating the province from Canada, ruling the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult First Nations before advancing the process. The court said any move toward separation from Canada could directly affect rights protected under Treaties 7 and 8, making consultation with affected Indigenous communities a constitutional requirement. Premier Danielle Smith criticized the ruling, calling it “wrong” and “anti-democratic.” Smith said the provincial government plans to appeal the decision immediately, arguing consultatio

honda-pauses-proposed-15b-ev-project-in-ontario-indefinitely

CanadaMay 14, 2026

Honda pauses proposed $15B EV project in Ontario indefinitely

Honda Motor Co. has indefinitely suspended plans for its proposed $15-billion electric vehicle project in Alliston, Ontario, a move that raises new questions about the pace of Canada’s EV manufacturing expansion. The company announced the decision Thursday, citing changing market conditions and slower consumer demand for electric vehicles. The proposed project was expected to create about 1,000 jobs in the region. Honda said the decision will not affect workers or production at its existing manufacturing facility in Alliston, where current operations will continue as planned. The project had

Related News

Alberta court blocks separation petition over lack of First Nations consultation

Alberta court blocks separation petition over lack of First Nations consultation

An Alberta court has dismissed a petition related to separating the province from Canada, ruling the provincial government failed to meet its duty to consult First Nations before advancing the process. The court said any move toward separation from Canada could directly affect rights protected under Treaties 7 and 8, making consultation with affected Indigenous communities a constitutional requirement. Premier Danielle Smith criticized the ruling, calling it “wrong” and “anti-democratic.” Smith said the provincial government plans to appeal the decision immediately, arguing consultatio

Bus rollover near Beaverlodge sends several passengers to hospital

Bus rollover near Beaverlodge sends several passengers to hospital

RCMP say several passengers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a charter bus rolled off a highway near Beaverlodge in northwestern Alberta early Wednesday morning. Police said officers responded to the crash at about 7 a.m. on Highway 672, west of Grande Prairie and northwest of Edmonton. According to RCMP, 17 people were on board the bus at the time of the rollover. Several passengers were transported to hospital, while others were assessed at the scene for minor injuries. Cpl. Mathew Howell said no fatalities had been reported as of Wednesday morning. Police have not said wha

Edmonton court hears evidence of prior dog attack at trial over death of 11-year-old boy

Edmonton court hears evidence of prior dog attack at trial over death of 11-year-old boy

An Edmonton court heard testimony Wednesday about a previous violent dog attack involving two Cane Corsos at the centre of a criminal negligence trial tied to the death of an 11-year-old boy. Shawn Hesse testified that in 2023, his Pomeranian escaped from his property and ran toward the two dogs later involved in the death of Kache Grist. According to Hesse, the Cane Corsos grabbed the smaller dog from opposite sides and attempted to tear it apart. Hesse told the court he rushed the injured Pomeranian to a veterinarian, but the dog later died from its injuries. The Cane Corsos were owned by Cr

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital