Deep Dive
Why did Candace Derksen's disappearance spark such an extensive search?
Candace Derksen, a 13-year-old girl, went missing on her way home from school in November 1984. Her sudden disappearance and the community's shock led to one of Winnipeg's most extensive searches for a missing person, involving about 500 students from her school and a large number of volunteers.
Why did the police initially dismiss the tip about Candace being dragged away by two teenagers?
A couple reported seeing Candace being dragged away from the Watt Street bus stop by two teenagers, but they were told by a police officer that Candace had run away before and the case wasn't being taken seriously. This was despite her parents' insistence that she had never run away. The police later denied knowing about any previous disappearances and the specific officer's identity remains unclear.
Why was Candace's body found in an abandoned shed so close to her home?
Candace's body was found in an abandoned shed on the property of the Alcott Brick Tile and Lumber Company, only about 500 meters from her house. The shed had not been used in several years, and none of the company's employees had been there, making it easy to overlook during the search.
Why did the police consider the possibility of a serial predator after Candace's case?
In September 1985, a 12-year-old girl was found tied up to a boxcar with the same type of twine and knots used in Candace's case. This similarity led the police to suspect a possible serial predator, especially since the second girl survived the attack.
Why was Mark Edward Grant initially arrested for Candace's murder?
Mark Edward Grant was arrested in 2007 based on DNA evidence found on the twine and hair samples from Candace's crime scene. The DNA matched his, and he had a history of sexual assaults on young girls, making him a strong suspect.
Why did the Court of Appeal overturn Mark Grant's conviction?
The Court of Appeal overturned Mark Grant's conviction due to concerns over the integrity of the DNA evidence and the trial court judge's decision to exclude evidence pointing to another possible killer. The defense argued that the evidence might have been contaminated and mishandled.
Why did the second trial end with Mark Grant's acquittal?
In the second trial, the judge found Mark Grant not guilty, accepting the defense's argument that the forensic evidence was tainted. The defense highlighted issues with the DNA evidence, including potential contamination and the lack of standardized protocols in 1985.
Why did Mark Grant file a lawsuit after his acquittal?
Mark Grant filed a lawsuit in 2019, naming 12 defendants including the government, seeking $8.5 million in damages. He alleged that the police conducted a poor and negligent investigation, which led to his wrongful arrest and trial.
- Candace Derksen went missing on November 30th, 1984
- Extensive community search lasting six and a half weeks
- Initial police response questioned
- Search hampered by cold weather
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