Three 15-year-old boys are in custody for what police are describing as the premeditated killing of a Calgary teenager.
Two of the boys are accused of first-degree murder in the slaying of Carter Spivak-Villeneuve, 16, while charges are pending for the third boy, Calgary police said in a news release issued Thursday.
“Although the investigation remains ongoing, at this time, it is believed that the suspects were known to Carter and that they had arranged to meet Carter that night,” police said. “Carter’s death is alleged to be the result of an ongoing dispute.”
Around 1:20 a.m.
, police responded to reports of a person in medical distress in the 300 block of Abergale Drive N.E.
Upon their arrival, officers located a deceased teenage male who was later identified as Spivak-Villeneuve. An autopsy found he was the victim of a homicide.
One suspect was arrested in Calgary on Wednesday. He was charged with first-degree murder and appeared in court Thursday.
Another suspect was arrested by RCMP on the Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan on Nov. 4. He was also charged with first-degree murder and is to appear in Calgary court on Friday.
Police also arrested a third suspect but no charges have yet been laid.
Due to the age of the accused, they can’t be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“The ages of those involved in this case are deeply troubling,” Calgary police Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson of the homicide unit said in a news release. “The loss of Carter is a devastating reminder of how seemingly insignificant conflict between youth can escalate with irreversible consequences. Carter’s death was senseless and the lives of everyone involved have now been forever changed.”
In a statement provided by Calgary police on behalf of the family shortly after his death, they said they were
devastated by the loss of their son
.
“It has left an empty void in many hearts for family and friends. Carter was very caring, giving and loyal,” the family said. “He had a smile that would light up any dark room. He had ambitions that will never come to fruition because his life was cut so short.”
Meanwhile, a friend of Spivak-Villeneuve’s family, who requested their name not be published, said the teen was full of life and love.
“The parents are trying to take this time to navigate this difficult loss,” the friend said. “Carter was a sweet boy who just wanted to be loved by everyone.”
Police continue to seek information about Spivak-Villeneuve’s killing. Police can be reached by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477, visiting
, or downloading the P3 Tips mobile app.