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Trial Begins: Man Admits to Murder, Claims Vehicle Empty

9/26/2025

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Hopkinson's Murder Trial

Leighton Hopkinson is on trial for Keron Brathwaite's murder and two attempted murders.
He admits the shooting but says he thought the vehicle was empty.
Brathwaite was shot 19 times in his car; a female friend survived.
Police recovered 18 shell casings, tying the firearms to a prior shooting.
Hopkinson cited jealousy; the Crown questions the vehicle-occupancy claim.

Right

Fugitive Arrested in Qatar

Rabih Alkhalil, a fugitive linked to organized crime, was arrested in Qatar on September 5.
He has been on the run since July 21, 2022, after escaping North Fraser Pretrial Centre.
The RCMP confirmed his identity by fingerprints and documents after denying the arrest. Three aides remain in custody, including a suspect in Spain. Qatar's Ministry of Interior is credited.

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Hopkinson's Murder Trial

Leighton Hopkinson is on trial for Keron Brathwaite's murder and two attempted murders.
He admits the shooting but says he thought the vehicle was empty.
Brathwaite was shot 19 times in his car; a female friend survived.
Police recovered 18 shell casings, tying the firearms to a prior shooting.
Hopkinson cited jealousy; the Crown questions the vehicle-occupancy claim.

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