Detective noticed London defendant’s behavior changed after attack, lawsuit says
A detective who interviewed a man accused of murdering four members of a Muslim family in Ontario told the jury the accused’s behavior changed, becoming more sober, during his second police interview following the attack.
Nathaniel Veltman – who has pleaded not guilty – is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder for deliberately hitting five members of the Afzaal family with his truck as they walked in London, in Ontario.
Prosecutors have alleged that Veltman’s actions in June 2021 constitute an act of terrorism.
Detective Micah Bourdeau says Veltman’s demeanor changed over time at the police station where he was detained, with the accused becoming calmer and more sober during his second interrogation — which took place approximately 13 hours after his arrest — in relation to his first interrogation four hours after the arrest. attack, when Veltman was more talkative.
Bourdeau says Veltman refused during the second interview to answer questions about details or topics that he found difficult to discuss.
The detective said he had no concerns about Veltman’s change in attitude because it seemed normal, given the circumstances.
The trial heard a video of Veltman saying he was “shaken” after the attack.
Jurors also saw a video of Veltman telling the detective he felt relieved after carrying out the attack, which he said was motivated by white nationalist beliefs.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year-old wife Madiha Salman, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna and his 74-year-old grandmother Talat Afzaal were k**led in the attack. The couple’s nine-year-old son was also seriously injured but survived.
The trial, taking place in Windsor, Ontario, is expected to last eight weeks.
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