Toronto, June 25: Nathaniel Veltman, the 20 year old man has been accused of targeting Muslims in a deadly vehicle attack in London, Ontario made his last brief appearance in court on June 21 morning one week after his charges were upgraded, which now included terrorism charges. Already he is facing four counts of first-degree murder, and one count of attempted murder in the attack that left four members of the Afzaal family (in the pic) dead and a young boy injured.
Earlier on June 14, Veltman at his previous court appearance, has learned that his charges would be updated to include terrorism under section 82 of the Criminal Code.
Monday morning Veltman appeared by video from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC). This appearance lasted only a few minutes as the court was told that Veltman was finalizing retaining a lawyer.
The court was told that he is in the process of retaining Toronto lawyer Christopher Hicks as his counsel. The case was put over another week in order for that finalization to take place. Also, a publication ban has been placed on the proceedings. Veltman’s next appearance will be June 28 and 9:15 a.m. via video in London, Ontario.
Meanwhile, the deceased have been identified as 46-year-old Salman Afzaal, his 44-year-old wife Madiha, their 15-year-old daughter Yumnah and her 74-year-old grandmother, Talat Afzaal. And, the couple’s nine-year-old son Fayez Afzaal has been recovering from serious injuries sustained in the attack. He was released from hospital early last week to continue his recovery from home.
Fundraising efforts have raised millions in funds for the young man.
Police have alleged that the attack Veltman executed on the evening of June 6 was a planned and premeditated act against Muslims. The family had been out for an evening walk along Hyde Park Road at South Carriage Road when they were hit by a driver in a black pickup. But, none of the charges against Veltman have been proven in the court yet.
