Nathaniel Veltman, the individual accused of murdering four members of a Muslim family in London, Ont., has been convicted on all charges, including four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
The verdict was reached by jurors in a Windsor courthouse after deliberations that began on Wednesday evening, following the judge’s final instructions.
Veltman, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial revealed that he struck the Afzaal family with his truck while they were on an evening walk, resulting in the deaths of Salman Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Yumna Afzaal, and Talat Afzaal, with their nine-year-old son surviving but seriously injured.
London Mayor Josh Morgan has released a statement following the verdict and can read below…
“No amount of justice can ever bring back Our London Family.
While this represents an important step towards closure for the Muslim community, and our city at large, it is by no means the end of that journey. It is one that continues, and it is one that we will undertake together. Each of us has an obligation, as individuals and as a society, to combat and confront hatred in all its forms. This verdict does not absolve us of that responsibility. Instead, it must serve as an eternal reminder of the need to remain committed to this effort so that it never happens again.
It is my sincerest hope that Londoners, and all Canadians, will continue to support and care for each other as we did in the days, weeks, and months after June 6th, 2021, and throughout the duration of this trial. The City of London is unwavering in its dedication to dismantling Islamophobia, racism, and hate. We will spread to other communities lessons in understanding, inclusivity, and love.
It is through all of these actions that we will continue to honour the memory of Our London Family.”
