WELLINGTON COUNTY – The driver who hit and killed Lucas Shorteed, nearly 15 years ago has been sentenced.
David Alexander Halliburton pleaded guilty to the hit-and-run death of Shortreed in a Guelph court Tuesday and was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars.
A three-year driving prohibition and the requirement to submit DNA to a database are also part of his sentence.
His wife, Anastasia Marie Halliburton, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and was sentenced to six months house arrest and 12 months probation. In addition she must do 200 hours of community service.
In October 2008, 18-year-old Shortreed was walking along Wellington Road 17 near Alma when he was struck and killed by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.
In a public report released earlier this month, OPP said the initial investigation determined that the suspect vehicle was a 1995-1997 white Dodge Neon. Over 100 tips from the public were investigated over the years.
Last year, police acted on a recent public tip and executed a search warrant on September 21, 2022, at an address on Sideroad 21, in Mapleton Township.
The report says a white Dodge Neon was recovered at the scene with significant damage, and was located inside a disabled semi-trailer behind a false wall.
“This Neon has been confirmed by the Centre of Forensic Sciences as being the vehicle that struck and killed Lucas Shortreed.” the report said.
photo: screenshot from County of Wellington O.P.P. Police Services Board Report 2022 Year End
David Alexander Halliburton and Anastasia Marie Halliburton were arrested the same day the White Neon was recovered.
