http://www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca/HPS/News/youtube.htm
Arrest in Hamilton’s 6th Homicide and YouTube
Hamilton Police held a news conference today at Central Police Station to provide details respecting the City’s 6th homicide, the use of YouTube in its investigation and the subsequent arrest that took place.
On November 17, 2006, 22 year old Ryan MILNER of Grimsby, Ontario, and a friend of Mr. Milner were involved in an altercation with two other men in a parking lot at the corner of King William and Catharine Streets in Hamilton. Mr. Milner had been attending a concert at a Club across the street from this lot. Both Mr. Milner and his friend were stabbed. Mr. Milner died shortly thereafter of stab wounds to the chest. His friend suffered non-life threatening injuries and continues to recover at home.
As part of its investigation, Hamilton Police obtained video security film from the Club. The film was of a relatively high quality and Major Crime investigators reviewed options to make the tape available to as many potential witnesses as possible.
On December 6, the video clip was sent to area media for their broadcast. Additionally, since the concert which Mr. Milner had attended appealed to a younger audience, investigators posted the video clip on the popular video-sharing website, YouTube.
A news release was issued announcing the YouTube posting. This generated extensive media coverage which, in turn, helped generate activity at the website. As of December 20, the video clip was viewed 17,000 times.
This is the first time Hamilton Police have utilized video web posting in an investigation and, to the best of its knowledge, the first time law enforcement has ever used it as a direct investigative tool.
On December 19, 2006, a man turned himself in to police, accompanied by his lawyer. Hamilton Police arrested George Gallo, 24 years of Hamilton and charged him with Second Degree Murder and Attempted Murder.
“This investigation is about the relentless pursuit of offenders,” said Deputy Police Chief Ken Leendertse. “Hamilton Police will not back away from proven investigative tactics, but our investigators will continue to be creative and innovative as they work to find those individuals responsible for crime in our City.”
“There’s no doubt that the posting we made on YouTube had an effect on the investigation of this homicide,” said Det./Sgt. Jorge Lasso. “With the media attention, the number of viewings on YouTube was very significant.”
“We effected an arrest within five weeks of the homicide and the individual who perpetrated a murder is now off our streets and in custody. Hopefully, the arrest may bring some comfort to the family and friends of Mr. Milner”.
Hamilton Police Major Crime Unit will be continuing this investigation, however, the search for the suspect has concluded.
Hamilton Police Service provides policing services to over 518,000 residents. As the sixth largest police service in Ontario, it deploys 758 police officers and 270 civilian members. In 2005, HPS responded to over 87,000 calls for service. Considered a leader in policing, it has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for the last four consecutive years. For more information on HPS, please visit www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca.
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