Toronto pair wanted for murder arrested in Budapest after fleeing the country
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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.