Two wanted in connection to double homicide as investigation continues

October 24, 2024 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

A former Olympic snowboarder and another Canadian citizen have been named in connection to a double homicide in Caledon last November.

On Thursday, the United States Department of Justice alleged that Ryan James Wedding, 43, and Andrew Clark, 34, were wanted in connection with the homicide, in an announcement that saw the two men and 14 other defendants charged in relation to a transnational drug trafficking operation.

“The superseding indictment alleges that Wedding, Clark, and others conspired to ship bulk quantities of cocaine – weighing hundreds of kilograms – from Southern California to Canada through a Canada-based drug transportation network…from approximately January 2024 to August 2024,” the Office alleged. “The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives would store the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for transportation to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.

“As alleged in the superseding indictment, the organization resorted to violence – including multiple murders – to achieve its aims. Wedding and Clark allegedly directed the November 20, 2023, murders of two members of a family in Ontario, Canada, in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment that passed through Southern California.

“Another member of that family survived the shooting but was left with serious physical injuries. Wedding and Clark allegedly also ordered the murder of another victim on May 18, 2024, over a drug debt.”

Wedding, who participated in the 2002 Olympics, is charged with eight felonies: two counts of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to export cocaine, one count of leading a continuing criminal enterprise, three counts of murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime, and one count of attempt to commit murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime.

“Clark is charged with the same eight felonies, plus an additional count of murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and drug crime.”

The charges have not been proven.

“This complex investigation spans multiple jurisdictions and agencies, with an alleged retaliation over stolen drugs tragically impacting an innocent family in Ontario,” said Marty Kearns, Deputy Commissioner of the OPP, in a statement. “Today’s announcement reflects the tireless months of work undertaken by agencies in both Canada and the United States, as well as support from law enforcement in Mexico and Colombia. This is a testament to how collaboration and investigative diligence cross borders to identify perpetrators and bring crucial answers to victims and their families.”

Added Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah: “Today’s investigative outcomes stand as a powerful testament to the tireless dedication and collaboration of law enforcement agencies across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Colombia. These investigative outcomes are important for the families who have endured tragic loss, casualties of criminal greed and a drug trafficking war. Peel Regional Police remains unwavering in its commitment to working alongside our global partners to bring those responsible for violent acts and homicides – both within Peel and beyond – to justice.”

In November 2023, Project Midnight, a joint Peel Regional Police (PRP) and Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigation, began when police identified a connection between three residential shootings in the City of Brampton, a homicide in the City of Mississauga and a double homicide in the Town of Caledon.

“The Project Midnight investigation, led by the PRP Homicide Bureau and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, remains ongoing, with assistance from Caledon OPP Major Crime Unit, OPP and PRP Forensic Identification Services, and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and the Centre of Forensic Sciences,” say Police.

Police are urging anyone with information about this investigation to call the dedicated tip line at 1-833-941-5570. Anonymous tips can be shared by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.