Angry in the Great White North

Nadeem Jiwa due back in court

In August, York Regional Police Constable Robert Plunkett was killed while trying to arrest Nadeem Jiwa and Baseer Mohammed Yousafzai, who were allegedly removing airbags from a stolen car. Jiwa is alleged to have killed Plunkett by pinning him against a tree with the car while trying to make a getaway.

Nadeem Jiwa has been charged with first-degree murder, and he is supposed to make a court appearance today.

The dilemma for Nadeem Jiwa

I wonder if the case of Nadeem Jiwa, the man accused in the first degree murder of Constable Robert Plunkett, is turning into a prisoner's dilemma. That would be very bad news for Jiwa.

Nadeem Jiwa facing first-degree murder charges in death of Robert Plunkett

Nadeem Jiwa is now facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Constable Robert Plunkett. Jiwa's lawyer is Azam Murji, and he has offered subtle hints as to the defence strategy. But one thing Murji demands is that his client not lie to him.

Alleged cop killer Nadeem Jiwa was out on bail

If Nadim Jiwa's charges on possession of break-in tools, mischief, and theft had been dealt with four months ago, Robert Plunkett would be alive today.

That seems to be the harsh truth of the matter.

On the other hand, if he is denied bail, time spent in pre-sentencing custody will reduce any sentence he might receive.

Constable Robert Plunkett killed trying to stop the lucrative business of airbag theft

The brutal death of Constable Robert Plunkett while trying to arrest alleged car thieves has brought into focus the lucrative business of auto theft for parts. In this case, the alleged thieves were trying to steal airbags. Components such as these are sold for lucrative profits to unscrupulous auto shops to sell to unsuspecting customers.

Given, therefore, that the alleged thieves weren't working alone, but quite likely had a buyer lined up for the airbags, you can be certain police will be working hard to roll up the entire operation.

Update: Both suspects were known to the criminal justice system.