Trial Continues for U-Haul Driver Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run

A trial for Peter Ashby, charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run of Kassandra Gartner, is set to proceed after a request for an adjournment was denied by the presiding judge. Ashby faces multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, flight from police, two counts of assault on a police officer with a weapon, and failure to stop at an accident causing death.

The incident occurred in February 2024 when police attempted to stop a U-Haul driven by Ashby. Officers deployed a spike belt on the road in an effort to halt the vehicle. Gartner, who was not involved in the police pursuit, encountered the spike belt and exited her vehicle to assess damage to her tire. Tragically, she was fatally struck by the U-Haul as it continued down the road without stopping. Authorities reported that Ashby then drove to a nearby 7-Eleven in Edmonton, where he stole another vehicle containing a young child, who was safely dropped off shortly thereafter.

On Monday, Ashby’s attorney, Caitlin Dick, sought to delay the trial, citing the receipt of new evidence from the Crown just before Christmas. Dick indicated that she required additional time to consult with an expert regarding a recent fingerprint report. Furthermore, she disclosed that she received previously undisclosed notes from a police officer, which she believes may be significant to the case.

Dick is also pursuing a motion to have both Crown prosecutors recused from the case, asserting that a witness interview was conducted without third-party presence. “I’m drafting a fulsome application for the Crown to be recused,” she stated in court. The Crown acknowledged that one witness meeting took place without another party present but denied any wrongdoing. They contended that the fingerprint report was merely a reanalysis of previously shared information.

The judge declined to grant the adjournment request but noted that eyewitness accounts would not be heard before January 14, and no fingerprint evidence would be introduced until the week of January 19. Before the trial can commence on Thursday, the court will first hear Dick’s application regarding the removal of the two Crown prosecutors.

Following the court proceedings on Wednesday, the judge advised both parties to prepare for potential extended hearings, suggesting they clear their schedules for the week following the trial’s anticipated conclusion. The trial is expected to last three weeks, pending the outcome of the motions presented by the defense.

This article includes insights from CTV News Edmonton’s Amanda Anderson.