4 — Sunday, March 28, 1999 — North Shore News Vian loses murder appeal Jail term for Park Royal Towers killing Anna N.arie D'Angelo News Reporter dangele@usnews.com AFTER three trials and six years, Gerad “Larry” O’Grady was sent to jai! last week for killing his wife. OY Grady'’s second-degree murder conviction was upheld by the B.C. Court of Appeal on Friday, in) May 1997, O'Grady was sentenced to fife in jail With parole eligibility after 10 years, O'Grady, now in his 70s, was free on bail pend- ing the appeal finding. CY'Grady's first jury murder trial ended in June 1993 witha conviction that was — subse- quently overturned by the B.C. Court of Appeal. A see- ond jury trial was ordered. The second trial ended in mistrial in 1996 because of a hung jury. On Mav 18, 1992, OGrady’s wite of 32> years, Beverly, 64, was) discovered dead on the kitchen floer of the couple’s Park Roval ‘VYowers aparnment. Beverly was slumped in a pool of blood. Reverly had been struck about 20 times in the head with a pait of tin snips and the handle of a knite sharpener. West Vancouver Police officers found Gerald cradling his wate. Gerald had called 9-1-1. Beveriy and Gerald were cov ered in blood. Police iater observed bruises and scratches on Gerald's body. He said: he was hurt thar day when he repaired a garboratos. Gerald told potice that an intruder must have entered the apartment, stuffed a plastic bag in’ Beverly's throat and ataacked her while Gerald watched TV in the nearby den. Gerald said he was wearing ear phones at the time. O’Grady’s lawyer Jim Hogan appealed the murder conviction, in part, because the trial judge did not tell the jury there was no motive estab- lished in the case. Although their was ne apparent reason tor the crime, Mr. Justice lan Donald noted that the O'Gradys had. their Share of “stresses and strains.” Vhe couple had a mentally il son (diagnosed with paranoid schizephreniad who had been “a problem to then.” The Court of Appeal judge noted thar Gerald was O8 then and stil needed to drive a taxa ta make ends meet. Beverly took medication for ansiety and panic attacks. “The real issue in the case was whether Mr O'Grady killed his wife.” wrote Donald, His dismissal of the asurder apperl was supported by BoC Court of Appeal judges, Douglas Lambert and Patricia Prondioot, “Blood spatter” evidence Was oatossue inthe trials. Experts testified that the blood spattors were consistent with Gerald crouching over his wite and repeatedly staacbing her. The blood: patterns could also have resulted trons Gerakt attenipung to perform: mouth tomoutl resuscization atter pulling the plastic bag ont of his wife's throat, according 10 detence evidence. Seabus model destroyed A missing model of the SeaBus was found last week smashed to pieces in the backyard of a home on the Squamish Reserve in West Vancouver. Vhe one-metre long model was made im 1976 and valued at 525,000. Tt had been stolen on March 20 ina burglary ata busi aess in the 800 block of West Ist Street. The model was being repaired when at was stolen. “Tras sad in the sense (hat it is so senseless.” Vaneotver ROMP Const. Heidi Hottman. Phe model was owned by iC Transit. ft weighed 20 ke (45 fhe) and had been on display ar BC ‘Fransiv’s office at Lonsdale Quay. Police are checking the destroved model tor Angerprints, Police have suspects in the case, Hotiman said he did net Know if the madel could be repaired. said: North slung Marie D'Angelo Call Brian ” Warts for an appointment @ SELF EMPhoyMEND INCOME @ EMPLOVMENT INCOME © REUREMENT Oe UNVESIMENT INCOME © CIAPTTAL GAINS © DsaBIITY CREDITS * RENTAG INCOME * Cn C © Movin Exp We also offer Financial Planning Services WHITTAKER & ASSOCIATES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS #103 - 3151 Woodbine Drive (Edgemont Village) 988-7832 ‘March 28. i] District Appoints New Fire Chief Jusiice Institute. has also completed extensive training in Fire Management, Leadership, Emergency Services, Conflict Resolution and Safety. He has a strong commitment ‘to professional and organizational excellence, as demonstrated during his 27-year career with the District Fire and Rescue Service and involvement in regional fire and safeiv issues. The District of North Vancouver is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Calder to the position of Fire Chief. Other Meetings Reconvening of Public Hearing - Upper Capilano Loca! Plan In this position, Caider will be responsible for managing the District's progressive fire and rescue service teams. comprised of five fire stations and 143 personnel. He will also act as principal adviser to the District. on matters of fire suppression, prevention, investigation and education policies. Calder's mast recent position was Manager of Emergency Services. Monday, March 29 7:00 p.m., Council Chamber 355 W. Queens Road Gary Calder is a resident of the North Shore, where he has lived with his family for 32 years. DNV Fire and Rescue Services serve over 80,000 residents Calder holds Management Certificates from UBC and and has an annual operating budget of $11.2 million. The Public Hearing on the Upper Capilano Local Plan CIT and Certificate in Conflict Resolution from the (Bylaw 7050), which was adjourned on Tuesday, March 9, will be reconvened at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29 in the Council Chamber to hear further submissions. The Millennium Bu What You Shouid Know Are you concerned about Y2K and how the Millennium Bug could affect you? If so, you may want to atiend "Y2K - The Millennium Bug - What You Should Know". This informative presentation will be held on Saturday, Aprit 3, from 10:C0 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver. Sponsored by United Capital Corporation, this community forum will include presentations from Van Y2K, BC Hydro, BC Gas, BC Tel, GVRD, Lions Gate Hospital, Comp- Consul Integration and the payNorth and West BPoSvancouver Emergency Program. Volunteers Needed! - Edgemont West Tickets: $2.00 at the — 7 oor Do you live in the Edgemont West neighbourhood? The District of North Vancouver is looking for volunteers to help develop , new single family residential zoning for the Edgemont West neighbourhvod. If you are interested in participating in the future of your neighbourhood, and are available to attend three or four meetings over the next few months, we need your help! satay trail construction ‘be determined by future Councils. This makes ny iftical to estimate th longtern public For more information call United Capital Corporation at 925-9732. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Kathleen Callow or Susan Stratis at 990-3761.