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Charges laid in boxer's death Nathalie Heiberg-Harrison Northern News Services Published Monday, November 28, 2011
Nicole Reid, 24, who was driving the car that police say hit Andre, as well as a 16-year-old female have been charged with dangerous driving while street racing causing death.
Both drivers are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 13, 2012.
In addition, the 23-year-old owner of the Honda Civic, who was a passenger at the time of the accident, has been issued a summons for permitting an unqualified person to drive and supervising a learner without a valid driver's licence.
These four charges mark the end of the Edmonton traffic section's investigation.
James Andre, Jonathan's father, said that after calling the Edmonton Police Service every week since the accident took place, it's good to hear charges have finally been laid.
"It's a long time coming," he said.
The maximum sentence for dangerous driving while street racing causing death is life in prison.
When asked what kind of punishment the Andre family was hoping to see, James said that was a very difficult question to answer.
"If Jonathan were alive, he would forgive them - but it's so hard to accept," James said.
"What good is jail going to do them?"
Since Jonathan's death, the family has compiled photos, stories and mementos from his life. James said he wanted to share those with the drivers so they could fully understand the impact of their actions.
According to the police, Andre was crossing 118 Avenue at 42 Street at approximately 11:30 p.m. on June 26 when he was hit by a Honda Civic travelling westbound.
When emergency services arrived on the scene, he was already dead.
Andre had been living in Edmonton and training at the Cougar Boxing Club, and it was reported that on the night of his death he was out on a training run.
The 31-year-old turned pro in October 2010 and had a 2-0 record, with his last win coming in April in a four-round decision.
At the Aboriginal Sports Circle's annual awards dinner in October, a presentation honouring the boxer was included in the evening program.
The Andre family attended to accept a gift in his honour.
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