Toronto pair wanted for murder arrested in Budapest after fleeing the country

TORONTO -

Two suspects wanted in connection with a homicide and attempted murder in Hamilton in February have been arrested in Hungary, police announced on Monday.

On Monday, Hamilton Police Acting Detective Sergeant Jim Callender announced that Oliver Karafa, 28-years-old, and Yun (Lucy) Lu Li, 25-years-old, were arrested in Budapest by Hungarian police forces on Saturday.

“It's been one of those journeys that has taken a lot of strides and a lot of new information that has led to this and I would like to thank all the efforts from partners over there in Eastern Europe, specifically the Hungarian Active Search Team,” Callendar said.

Police issued arrest warrants for the couple three months ago in the murder of Tyler Pratt, 39, and the attempted murder of a woman.

On Feb. 28, police responded to a shooting in the area of Arvin Avenue and Hilton Drive shortly after 7 p.m.

Upon arrival, HPS says they found the 26-year-old woman with a gunshot wound on the side of the road. The woman was taken to hospital in serious condition. As officers were investigating, they discovered the body of Tyler Pratt.

The two victims knew each other, but police did not say how.

Within days of the shootings, Hamilton police announced that Karafa and Li had fled the country to Eastern Europe. Police say the couple likely fled the country within 24 hours of the incident.

Sgt. Callendar told the media Monday that HPS is “very comfortable with the motivation [of Karafa and Li], but won't be discussing that, as that would be evidence before the courts.”

Li and Karafa are being held in custody in Hungary and the extradition process is underway, Hamilton Police say.

The trials of the individuals will be held in Canada, according to Callendar.