The man accused of intentionally running down and killing four members of a Muslim family in northwest London has had his case put over for another month.
Nathaniel Veltman appeared at the London courthouse by way of video from the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre on Thursday morning. He stood with his hands clasped throughout the nearly two and a half minute appearance.
Kelly Ponte, a representative for the 20-year-old's lawyer, Toronto-based Christopher Hicks, told the court disclosure has been received from the Crown and the law firm is in the process of reviewing it. She requested the case be adjourned for four weeks.
"To continue reviewing that disclosure and for continued discussions with the Crown, please," said Ponte.
Justice of the Peace Peter Aharan then informed Veltman his case would return on August 25.
"Understood," Veltman replied, the only words he spoke outside of his name and date of birth, which inmates have to provide at the start of each video appearance.
Veltman is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder in relation to the June 6 attack on the Afzaal family. Prosecutors allege the deadly hit-and-run constitutes an act of terrorism.
Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal and 9-year-old son Fayez Salman, and Salman Afzaal’s 74-year-old mother Talat Afzaal were out for an evening walk when a pickup truck mounted the curb at Hyde Park and South Carriage roads and hit them before speeding off. Fayez Salman was the lone survivor of the attack.
Veltman was arrested shortly after the family was struck, roughly seven kilometers from the collision scene.
London police have said there is evidence the attack was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate.
There is a publication ban on the evidence presented in the case.
Veltman’s court appearance came on the same day Western University is scheduled to host a memorial service to honour the lives of alumni Madiha Salman and Salman Afzaal and their family. Madiha Salman held a master’s degree in civil engineering and was working toward a PhD in environmental engineering at Western at the time of her death. Afzaal, a physical therapist, earned his master’s degree at Western in 2010. The memorial will be livestreamed over Zoom from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
