FERGUS – The OPP have paid out $50,000 in reward money to the individual who supplied the crucial tip in the Lucas Shortreed hit and run case.
In October of 2008, Shortreed was walking from a party sometime between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. on Wellington Road 17 in Alma to his home in Fergus when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. The driver fled, but debris from the vehicle remained at the scene.
After a 14 year search, a tip led to securing authorization which allowed specialized OPP teams to attend the home of David and Anastasia Halliburton where they located a white semi-trailer next to the residence.
While searching the trailer, officers could see a plywood partition appearing to be held in place by a steel brace at the back of the trailer. Through a small gap between the partition and the wall, they could see a small, four door white Neon.
In September 2023, David Halliburton pleaded guilty to fail to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm or death and obstruction of justice, and received two-and-a-half years in prison and a three-year driving prohibition.
Anastasia Halliburton pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and careless storage of a firearm and was given six months house arrest, 12 months probation and 200 hours of community service.
“Being able to payout the $50,000 reward shows that people with information can truly benefit by coming forward,’ says Superintendent Jennifer Spurrell.
You can find the full story via the OPP news portal here.
