Kidnap suspect pleads guilty

Related Stories

A 25-year-old man pleaded guilty this afternoon to kidnapping and firearm charges in connection with the abduction last month of a 16-year-old boy outside Erin Mills Town Centre.
Kurt Downer entered the surprise pleas in Brampton court before Justice Hugh Atwood, less than one week after being arrested by Peel Regional Police in Meadowvale while in possession of a semi-automatic handgun. Downer had been wanted in connection with the May 23 abduction, which police believe was a kidnapping-for-ransom scheme.
Police say a group of older teens abducted the 16-year-old from the parking lot outside the Eglinton Ave./Erin Mills Pkwy. mall.
The victim was found unhurt a few hours later in the area of Bristol and Creditview Rds.
"Given the insurmountable evidence against him, Mr. Downer felt it was in the best interest of himself and the public to accept responsibility for his actions, which is a true demonstration of remorse," said Downer's lawyer, Gary Batasar, of the early plea. "We were prepared to fight these allegations all the way, but my instructions from Mr. Downer was that he wanted the matter resolved."
Investigators are still looking for Shane Sutherland, 29, in connection with the abduction.
Police earlier arrested Sem Tesfamariam, 18, of Mississauga and Kumar Lawrence, 18, of no fixed address. They've been charged with kidnapping.
lrosella@mississauga.net

Small - Large
|
Print
|
Email
|
|
|

More Stories

Canada Day goes off with a bang

Without the much-anticipated rainfall, Canada Day festivities continued throughout the city.

Party on Canada!

Thousands of Mississauga residents have turned out today to join the party and celebrate Canada’s 142nd birthday.

Chris Clay | Jun 30

Happy Canada Day!

Mississauga residents have plenty of options when it comes to celebrating Canada Day. At City Hall, things get started at 1 p.m. with an opening ceremony and singing of O, Canada. The day...