Plea deal offered in home invasion case

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on June 4, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge man charged in relation to a home invasion and robbery earlier this year will remain in custody while he considers a plea deal from the Crown.

The matter for Dovovan James Holmberg was in Lethbridge court of justice Monday, where Calgary lawyer Robin McIntyre explained she had received an early case resolution (ECR) from the Crown, but her client wants more time to consider it.

An ECR is typically a proposal from the Crown to resolve charges without the need for a trial, and may result in subsequent negotiations between the Crown and defence before an agreement is reached, if at all.

Holmberg, 38, is charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of using a stolen credit card, and single counts of break and enter to commit robbery, robbery with a firearm, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, disguised with intent and possession of a firearm while prohibited.

The charges stem from an incident on March 9 when police responded to a report that a 67-year-old man had been injured during an early morning home invasion. Police learned the man had met a woman online and agreed to meet with her at his home.

When he answered the door, the woman and two masked men, who were armed with a firearm and knife, forced their way into the home. The suspects stole property from the victim, including his wallet and cell phone, struck him in the face with the firearm and cut him with the knife before fleeing in an SUV.

The victim’s bank cards were used at local convenience stores by a man who was recorded on video surveillance and subsequently identified by police. Following further investigation, the woman and other man were also identified.

On March 11, police found and arrested the woman. A day later the two men were also arrested. One of the men had a black BB handgun and property belonging to the victim.

The same day police searched a vehicle and a home in the 1000 block of 27 A Street North. Inside the residence police found clothing worn by the suspects and more property belonging to the victim. Another woman was arrested at the home for offences unrelated to the robbery and assault.

Holmberg’s case is scheduled to return to court on June 24.