Following a brief Wednesday court appearance, the 21-year-old man accused in the hit-and-run crash that killed a 24-year-old woman was sent back into custody.
Curtis Henri’s next court date is set for Dec. 29.
The Guelph resident was arrested Monday morning, at a motel in the city’s north end.
Police allege that he was the driver of a stolen SUV that fled a RIDE checkpoint and then became involved in a collision, killing Grace Glofcheskie and severing a hydro pole before coming to rest on its roof.
Edward Pickersgill is the co-ordinator of a drop-in centre on Baker Street in Guelph.
He says Henri was “living a difficult life” and had visited the centre regularly for several years – dating back to when he was a young teenager.
“He would come around to access food, computers (and) a safe place to be,” he said.
Henri had been around Baker Street less than usual in the past year, Pickersgill said.
Initially, Henri was charged with dangerous driving causing death, flight from police causing death and four other offences in connection with Sunday’s hit-and-run crash.
The 21-year-old now also faces one charge of drug possession, relating to “signs of drug use” police say they saw in the motel room when they arrived to arrest him.
The arrest at the motel also led police to charge a 35-year-old Guelph man with possession of stolen property, possession of identity documents, possession of credit card data, possession of break-in instruments, drug possession and breach of probation.
A 30-year-old woman from Elmira, who was allegedly in the motel room with the two men, faces charges of drug possession and breaching an undertaking.
Near the crash site, a memorial to Glofcheskie continued to grow Wednesday.
The University of Guelph graduate was also recognized on the campus of that school, where a cannon was painted with messages ‘Forever a Gryphon’ and ‘You will be missed” along with Grofcheskie’s name and initials.
A memorial scholarship fund in Glofcheskie’s name has also been opened through the school’s alumni association.
In less than 24 hours, it had received 85 donations.
School officials say the scholarship will be given to a student who is an “engaged leader on campus”, and likely studying biology – the same subject Glofcheskie studied.
A funeral for Glofcheskie will take place Saturday in her hometown of Arnprior, near Ottawa.
Wednesday afternoon, Glofcheskie's family released a statement, reading as follows:
We, the family of Grace Olivia Glofcheskie, are deeply saddened by the loss of our daughter, our sister, our friend. We are profoundly touched by the heartfelt prayers, kind actions, expressions of sympathy, and genuine support that we have received, and continue to receive, during this very difficult time. This sustains us through our tears, and gives us comfort. Grace loved life. Anyone who knew her would describe her as brillian, warm, gifted, optimistic, drive, faith-filled, and just. We will always remember her in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls.
We invite you to help us to continue Grace's legacy. We have begun the Grace Olivia Glofcheskie Memorial Fund, whose vision is to carry on the impact of her life well beyond her twenty-four years. This fund will support academics and athletics in Grace's cherished communities of Arnprior and the University of Guelph. Together, our support will be a reflection of Grace's own generosity.
