Ontario Crown Withdraws Murder Charge Against Timothy Rees
Ontario prosecutors have withdrawn the murder charge against Timothy Rees, ending a case that spanned more than three decades. The decision followed a ruling by the Ontario Court of Appeal, which overturned Rees’s original conviction.
Rees was convicted in 1990 for the second-degree murder of 10-year-old Darla Thurrott. He spent over 20 years in prison before his release on parole. He has consistently maintained his innocence.
Appeal Court Overturns Conviction
The Ontario Court of Appeal set aside the conviction after finding serious issues with the original trial. Judges ruled that prosecutors failed to disclose key evidence to the defence. This omission affected Rees’s right to a fair trial.
The court ordered a new trial and returned the decision to the Crown. Prosecutors then reviewed the case, including the passage of time and available evidence.
Why Prosecutors Dropped the Case
The Crown decided not to proceed with a new trial. Prosecutors said a retrial would not serve the public interest after 35 years. They cited faded memories, limited evidence, and the emotional toll on all parties.
The Crown stressed that withdrawing the charge does not determine guilt or innocence. It reflects the legal limits of continuing the case.
Reaction From Rees
Rees welcomed the decision and said it brought relief after decades of uncertainty. He repeated that he did not commit the crime. He also expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and said they still deserve answers.
Rees is now in his 60s and no longer faces criminal charges related to the case.
Broader Legal Impact
Legal experts say the case highlights the importance of full evidence disclosure. They note that wrongful convictions can result from failures within the justice system.
