Alleged mastermind behind Ontario woman's presumed death seeks bail

The man facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in the disappearance of Ontario woman Elnaz Hajtamiri took another shot at bail on Friday in a Barrie courtroom.

Mohamad Lilo, 37, has been behind bars since his arrest more than two years ago.

Police believe he is the mastermind behind the mysterious disappearance and presumed death of his former girlfriend, who hasn’t been seen or heard from since January 12, 2022. Police say the couple split just months before she went missing.

On Friday, Lilo applied to be bailed out on an interim basis ahead of his trial. He has previously been denied bail and remains behind bars in Penetanguishene’s Central North Correctional Centre.

His parents put up their half-a-million-dollar home in Quebec to serve as sureties.

Defence lawyer Anthony Bryant proposed full house arrest and an ankle monitor, arguing he hasn’t had the appropriate access to the Crown’s substantial disclosure of evidence.

The judge is expected to rule on the bail application at a later date. Lilo is expected back in court on Monday for the start of pretrial motions.

• READ: Complete details on the Elnaz Hajtamiri investigation

Nine days after Hajtamiri's alleged abduction in Wasaga Beach Ontario Provincial Police charged Lilo with criminally harassing her. Six months later, he was arrested in the Montreal area.

Roughly a dozen others have been charged in the case, including three who have since had their charges either withdrawn or stayed by the Crown. Several others appear headed for trial in the new year.

Lilo maintains his innocence. The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.