🟥 JUST IN: RIP — Judge in Charge of High-Profile Hockey Assault Trial Shot Dead — Police Launch Homicide Probe
June 10, 2025 | London, Ontario — A stunning tragedy has shaken Canada’s legal and sporting communities as the judge presiding over the high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former world junior hockey players has been shot dead in an apparent targeted killing. Police have launched a full homicide investigation.
The deceased, whose name has not yet been officially released pending notification of next of kin, had been overseeing the ongoing trial of Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—all former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Hockey team. The case has drawn national attention, with proceedings intensifying over the past week.
⚠️ Attack Details Remain Unclear
Authorities confirmed the judge was fatally shot outside their residence in London, Ontario early Tuesday morning. Emergency responders declared the victim dead at the scene. Investigators are currently examining surveillance footage, canvassing the area for witnesses, and working to determine whether the killing was directly connected to the ongoing case.
“We are treating this as a deliberate act of violence,” said a spokesperson for the London Police Service, adding that no arrests have been made and a suspect has not yet been identified. Officials emphasized that the judicial process will not be intimidated or derailed by violence.
🧑⚖️ Trial Thrown Into Uncertainty
This tragic development immediately throws the ongoing trial into legal uncertainty. The case had been entering a critical phase, with the defence challenging the complainant’s credibility using video evidence and witness testimonies.
The judge was expected to make several key admissibility rulings in the coming days, and was scheduled to set timelines for closing submissions by the end of the week.
🧾 Legal and Public Reaction
“This is a devastating and cowardly act,” said a representative of the Ontario Bar Association. “An attack on a judge is an attack on the integrity of the Canadian justice system.”
Crown prosecutors have not commented publicly, and defence lawyers for the accused have issued a joint statement offering condolences to the judge’s family, while expressing “shock and sorrow” over the news.
Public reaction has been swift and emotional across social media, with hashtags like #JusticeForTheJudge and #HockeyTrial trending within hours.
🔎 What Comes Next
Police say they are following multiple leads, including whether the shooting was linked to threats or harassment the judge may have received during the trial.
The Ministry of the Attorney General is expected to assign a new judge to the case, though experts warn this may cause significant delays or even a mistrial motion.
Court security protocols across Ontario are being urgently reviewed.
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Stay with us as we continue to follow this developing story. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.
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