THUNDER BAY -- Judy Szabo says her step-mother can finally rest in peace now that police have arrested a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers charged 30-year-old Ashley Rheal Shabogomik Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the city’ south core in connection to a fatal hit-and-run that led to the death of 60-year-old Joyce Ryan.
It’s alleged that Shabogomik, from Aroland First Nation, drove a stolen truck through a stop sign and collided with the passenger side door of a car traveling down Victoria Avenue in October of 2011.
None of the allegations against the accused have been proven in court.
Both Ryan and her husband, Phil, who was driving the car, were taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Ryan died in hospital and Phil received serious injuries.
More than a year later, Szabo said she’s filled with relief and happy to know that they have found a suspect.
“We’re relieved that Joyce can rest in peace now,” she said.
“I’m extremely happy with the work of the police. I know it appeared to the public that they weren't actively on the streets but they were. They solved the case. Closure will come when this is all over. She’s resting and we’re great. It’s has helped the family tremendously.”
Since the collision, the main efforts for the family were to make sure Phil was doing well and recovering from his injuries. She said it’s tough for her father since he had spent more than 30 years of his life with Joyce.
She said the family has been adjusting and waiting for the day they could learn some news about this case.
She added that she and her dad will be attending all the court appears until the matter is resolved.
Police charged Shabogomik with several offences including possession of stolen property over $5,000, dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
The charge of criminal negligence causing death has a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Deputy Chief Andy Hay said they were able to track Shabogomik through tips, interviews, and total 408 days of police work.
“It’s not only important to the family but the community to know that we do take these matters very seriously,” Hay said.
“We feel a little bit of relief. This case has been kind of hanging over our heads for over a year. It was one we were determined to solve and we’re glad we were able to bring it to some kind of conclusion.”
Shabogomik has his first court appearance Thursday and will appear again on Nov. 20.
