Man charged in murder of Ont. woman Elnaz Hajtamiri is headed to trial
The man accused in the murder and kidnapping of his former girlfriend, Elnaz Hajtamiri, is headed for trial.
Mohamad Lilo, 36, learned on Thursday the nine-week proceedings would begin next April in Barrie before Justice Michelle Fuerst.
Lilo is charged with first-degree murder in the Hajtamiri case and has enlisted Anthony G. Bryant to defend him, along with Stephanie Marcade, a criminal lawyer based in Collingwood.
Elnaz Hajtamiri's alleged abduction on Jan. 12, 2022, has gained national attention, with about a dozen people charged in the case.
Police say Hajtamiri was hiding at the home of loved ones in Wasaga Beach after a violent assault in Richmond Hill the night she was kidnapped by three suspects posing as cops.
Investigators have said Lilo is the common thread between the Richmond Hill assault and Hajtamiri's disappearance from Wasaga Beach weeks later, revealing he owns a shipping container business.
Hajtamiri's body has never been found.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Lilo returns to court later this month for the trial dates to officially be recorded.
He has been behind bars since his arrest nearly two years ago.
The allegations against him have not been tested in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hezbollah confirms its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike
Lebanon's Hezbollah group confirmed on Saturday that its leader and one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous day.
Dozens dead and millions without power after Helene's deadly march across southeastern US
Hurricane Helene caused dozens of deaths and billions of dollars of destruction across a wide swath of the southeastern U.S. as it raced through, and more than three million customers went into the weekend without any power and for some a continued threat of floods.
They hit it off on vacation but then he went silent. So she decided to pick up the phone
When a few weeks passed and Nana Prempeh still hadn’t heard from the guy she met on vacation, she turned to her friends for advice.
This 'old barn' is a monument to Canada's hockey roots, but its future is unlear
Windsor, N.S. has long-claimed to be the 'birthplace of hockey.' Local historians believe the game has roots in the town, located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
'I love you but I hate you.' What to do when you can't stand your long-term partner
It's often said there is a thin line between love and hate, but is it OK to sometimes hate your long-term partner? If you ask actress Jamie Lee Curtis, it's practically necessary.
Scientists discover hidden ancient forest on treeless island
Trees haven't grown on the Falkland Islands for thousands of years. But tree trunks and branches preserved in peat suggest the islands were once home to a forest.
Vance exuded calm during a tense debate stage moment. Can he keep it up when he faces Walz?
When two of his Republican rivals for an Ohio Senate seat nearly came to blows on live statewide television two years ago, JD Vance appeared unimpressed.
Canada booking seats on flights out of Lebanon as violence escalates
Global Affairs Canada began booking blocks of seats on the few remaining commercial flights leaving Lebanon on Friday as it issued another urgent plea for any Canadians in the country to leave immediately.
Walz has experience on a debate stage pinning down an abortion opponent's shifting positions
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz knows how to lean into abortion rights on the debate stage. He's done it before.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
Preparations underway for a busy homecoming weekend
It’s homecoming weekend for many students and alumni and preparations are underway to ensure it’s a safe celebratory weekend.
-
What is Ontario's homeworkers' minimum wage, and why is it higher than general minimum wage?
When Ontario’s minimum wage goes up on Oct. 1, another group of workers will also see an increase. But what is the homeworkers’ minimum wage?
-
What to expect as Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest kicks off
It’s the first weekend for the big Bavarian bash in Waterloo Region and it’s starting with a bang.
London
-
Risky maneuver by City of London garbage truck driver raises serious safety concerns
An early morning collision in south London is raising questions about the actions of a garbage truck driver who accelerated in reverse — slamming into Rebekkah Wilkin’s car.
-
London man charged with attack on Muslim women
The National Council of Canadian Muslims and Hikma Public Affairs Council have both released statements on social media regarding the reported incident.
-
Following injury during June arrest, London police cleared of wrongdoing by SIU
In the early hours of Sunday, June 2, London police were called to a residence where a woman reported that her ex-partner had kicked in her front door.
Windsor
-
Essex fire reminds of the importance of working fire alarms amid Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is quickly approaching, beginning Oct. 6 until Oct. 12.
-
Windsor Spitfires fall to Sarnia Sting in overtime
Tyson Doucette scored 1:42 into overtime to give the Sarnia Sting a wild 5-4 win over the visiting Windsor Spitfires in Ontario Hockey League action on Friday night.
-
CTV News Windsor’s top stories from this week
In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
Northern Ontario
-
After decades-long search, northern Ontario man finds vintage vehicle in Larder Lake
A tale about a taxicab hauling gold and sinking through the ice on Larder Lake, Ont., in December 1937 has captivated a man from that town for decades.
-
This 'old barn' is a monument to Canada's hockey roots, but its future is unlear
Windsor, N.S. has long-claimed to be the 'birthplace of hockey.' Local historians believe the game has roots in the town, located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
-
First Nations, Inuit and Metis leaders say work lies ahead on road to reconciliation
The Liberal party of today is not quite the same as the one elected in 2015 promising to foster new paths and nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples, the leaders of the three national Indigenous organizations said as they look ahead to the fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Impaired driving suspect in the Sault fell asleep in the drive-thru
Police in Sault Ste. Marie have charged a 47-year-old suspect after a 911 caller reported someone asleep in line at a local drive-thru.
-
Sault considers buying, demolishing former hospital, selling it for residential development
At its meeting Oct. 1, city council in Sault Ste. Marie will vote on a staff recommendation to buy the former Sault Area Hospital site on Queen Street East and Lucy Terrace.
-
Sault suspect accused of committing several offences in two-hour crime spree
Sault Police say a 50-year-old suspect had a busy morning Thursday, and is now charged with committing several offences between 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Ottawa
-
20th annual peace officers' memorial run to arrive in Ottawa
The 20th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Run (NPOMR) is underway, with participants expected to make their way into downtown Ottawa Saturday.
-
What's open and closed in Ottawa on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The federal holiday on Sept. 30 will bring some schedule changes in Ottawa as Canada marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
Rats are overtaking Overbrook
A rat infestation in Overbrook is causing a major headache for residents, who say the problem is out of control. Rats can be seen in yards day and night, with no sign of relief.
Toronto
-
'Imagine a world without their song': Toronto photographer wins international award for picture of 4,000 dead birds
Thousands of dead birds, from kingfishers to blue jays, encircle a wild turkey to illustrate in one snapshot a mere fragment of how many die from colliding into glass windows – a death that can be easily prevented, the Torontonian photographer says.
-
Police investigating after man comes to hospital with gunshot wound
Toronto police are investigating after one person came to hospital with a gunshot wound overnight.
-
'This is the spot': Police focus on combating auto theft, violent carjackings in GTA
Scott Cresswell was behind the wheel of an unmarked white police truck as he drove across the Greater Toronto Area looking for compounds that might be used to hide stolen vehicles.
Montreal
-
Mad Dog Wrestling honours Quebec WWE legend, raises funds for sick children
World Wrestling Entertainment Hall-of-Famer Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon is the inspiration for a local wrestling production company that will bear his name host events on Montreal's West Island to raise money and create memories for sick children.
-
Woman found dead in Hemmingford, Que. after going missing; man, 31, charged
A 31-year-old man has been charged following the death of a woman who went missing in southern Quebec earlier this week.
-
Montreal police make arrest in Presidents Cup golf apparel theft
Montreal police say they've arrested a man in connection with the theft of tens of thousands of dollars in golf merchandise tied to the Presidents Cup PGA Tour being held this week in the city.
Atlantic
-
Teen who pleaded guilty in N.S. school stabbing sentenced to 2 years' probation
A youth who stabbed two staff members at a Bedford, N.S., high school in March 2023 has been sentenced to two years of probation, with certain conditions.
-
Beadwork illustrations bring animals in Mi’kma’ki to life in new children’s book
“Animals at Play in Mi’kma’ki” is an 11-page children’s board book featuring beaded illustrations of various animals having fun created by a Fredericton-based artist.
-
This 'old barn' is a monument to Canada's hockey roots, but its future is unlear
Windsor, N.S. has long-claimed to be the 'birthplace of hockey.' Local historians believe the game has roots in the town, located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
Winnipeg
-
The time for fall suppers is here. Here's everything you need to know
As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change colour, the time for fall suppers has returned in Manitoba.
-
Manitoba signs off on sale of Portage Place
The Province of Manitoba has signed off on the sale of Portage Place, finalizing a deal with all three levels of government for True North to purchase the mall.
-
Winnipeg high school students leading TRC learning
This is the first year Technical Vocational High School had an Orange Shirt Day walk.
Calgary
-
Family of man who died in incident involving Calgary police issues statement
The family of Jon Wells, a man who died in an incident involving Calgary police earlier this month, say they are seeking time to grieve their loss.
-
Promising momentum for Calgary's Green Line LRT project
The Green Line LRT project seemed to stall in September but many say it hasn't gone off the rails, as Calgary's mayor and the province met again to discuss options on Friday.
-
'I want to leave but I'm scared': Calgarian and her kids stuck in Lebanon as conflict rages on
Safaa went to Lebanon looking to meet with a specialist for her Crohn's disease. Now, she and her four children are caught in the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah.
Edmonton
-
'Closure is something we all deserve': How an Alberta woman is using family heirlooms to help reconnect families
A northern Alberta woman is hoping her family's history can help reunite other families with loved ones laid to rest far from home.
-
Expect familiar, veteran lineups over second half of Oilers' pre-season schedule
There's one more week of pre-season games for the Edmonton Oilers before the National Hockey League team sets its roster for opening night a few days later.
-
Edmonton, other municipalities ask province to pay its property taxes
Edmonton's mayor is, once again, asking the United Conservative Party government to pay its full share of property taxes on provincial buildings.
Regina
-
Sask. man dies in Highway 1 collision just east of Regina
A man from Weyburn, Sask. died following a collision on Highway 1 just east of Regina on Friday morning.
-
Eight anomalies found in George Gordon First Nation’s search of unmarked graves
George Gordon First Nation has completed their second phase in search of unmarked graves.
-
Kahkewistahaw First Nation celebrates new detox centre
Members of Yorkton Tribal Council (YTC) are taking action to address the growing addictions crisis through the grand opening of their new detox centre – Eagle Sky Healing Lodge Detox Centre.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon's homeless population nearly doubled this year
Saskatoon's homeless population is on pace to more than double in one year, according to data from the Saskatoon Fire Department.
-
'This was her life': Owner of Sask. restaurant destroyed in fire plans to restart
In the aftermath of a fire that destroyed Snow White Family Restaurant in Biggar Saskatchewan, a GoFundMe has been created to help the owner start over.
-
EXCLUSIVE
EXCLUSIVE New poll reveals some key issues for voters in upcoming Sask. election
The most important issues for Saskatchewan voters depends on which party they support, according to a new poll.
Vancouver
-
Free market and rebates: BC Conservatives lay out housing platform
The leader of the BC Conservative Party laid out his strategy to solve the province's housing crisis Friday, which includes slashing red tape and letting the private sector take the reins on boosting supply.
-
Squamish Nation hosts truth and reconciliation ceremony at Sen̓áḵw
More than 100 years after they were forced from the Sen̓áḵw village, members of the Squamish Nation will soon once again call it home.
-
Man shot dead in Langley was suspect in Mission road rage assault: RCMP
The man who was killed in a shooting believed to be gang-related in Langley last week was also a suspect in a brutal road rage assault on a couple in Mission earlier this month, police have confirmed.
Vancouver Island
-
'It's a dream come true': B.C. composer living with debilitating condition earns red carpet recognition
Ari Kinarthy never imagined he'd become the focus of photographers on a red carpet, back when he was a boy fighting to have fun.
-
B.C. Conservatives, NDP have full candidate slates. But it's about more than votes
In the last provincial election, the B.C. Conservatives fielded just 19 candidates — and received less than 2 per cent of the vote.
-
Vancouver police officer charged in 2023 pedestrian crash
The BC Prosecution Service says it has approved a charge against a Vancouver police officer over a collision with a pedestrian in 2023.
