Trial for U-Haul Hit-and-Run Death of Kassandra Gartner Resumes

The trial of Peter Ashby, charged with multiple offenses in connection with the death of Kassandra Gartner, will proceed without delay despite a request for an adjournment. Ashby faces serious charges, including dangerous driving causing death, flight from police, and two counts of assault on a police officer with a weapon. The incident occurred in February 2024, when police attempted to stop a U-Haul driven by Ashby, leading to a tragic series of events resulting in Gartner’s death.

On the day of the incident, February 2024, police were laying down a spike belt on the road in an attempt to halt the U-Haul. Gartner, who was not involved in the police chase, struck the spike belt and exited her vehicle to check her tire. Tragically, she was fatally struck by the U-Haul, which did not stop after the collision. Following the incident, Ashby continued to a nearby 7-Eleven in Edmonton, where he stole another vehicle, leaving a young child inside. The child was later dropped off unharmed a short distance away.

During a court session on January 10, 2024, Ashby’s lawyer, Caitlin Dick, sought to adjourn the trial, citing the need for additional time to consult an expert regarding a new fingerprint report provided by the Crown shortly before Christmas. Dick also mentioned that she received previously undisclosed notes from a police officer, which she believes are critical to the defense. Furthermore, she plans to file an application to have both Crown prosecutors recused from the case, arguing that a witness interview was conducted without proper oversight.

The Crown acknowledged that an interview with a witness took place without a third party present but denied any wrongdoing. They contended that the fingerprint report was merely a reanalysis of information previously disclosed to the defense.

In response to the adjournment request, the judge ruled against delaying the trial but ordered that no eyewitness accounts would be introduced before January 14, 2024, and that fingerprint evidence would not be presented before the week of January 19, 2024. Before the trial commences, the court will first address Dick’s application regarding the recusal of the Crown prosecutors.

As the judge concluded the session, he advised both parties to prepare for potential scheduling changes, indicating they should keep their calendars open for the week following the trial’s expected conclusion in case the application is denied and the trial continues.

This case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic circumstances and the serious charges faced by Ashby. The proceedings will continue to unfold as the court navigates the complexities surrounding the evidence and the implications for all involved.