A 25-year-old Quinte West man has been ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to his sentencing next year.
David Wanvig appeared in Superior Court today (Wednesday) and pleaded guilty to assault, two counts of break and enter to commit a theft, counselling to commit murder, break and enter to commit murder and voyeurism.
Justice Robert Scott told the court the facts presented were “very disturbing” and wanted to know why a man with no criminal history now has serious charges against him.
Wanvig was arrested on February 7, 2017 after an ex-girlfriend came forward to police with information in relation to two unsolved break and enters in Belleville in the fall of 2016.
Belleville Police Sergeant Ian Jarvis took the stand and said there was no investigation into Wanvig prior to February 6, 2017.
The information brought forward led to a search at his home which turned up evidence from a break and enter at Ice Blu Vapors in September 2016 and Steve Marshman Fine Jewellery in October 2016.
Officers also found a video on his computer from 2015 leading to a voyeurism charge. Police also gathered information from another person related to the case that brought about the assault charge.
Sgt. Jarvis told the court a relationship started going sour and Wanvig broke into his ex’s room and told her he was there to kill her because Wanvig told officers later “her life was in my hands as much as my life was in her hands”.
He ultimately didn’t make an attempt on her life.
Sgt. Jarvis said the ex-girlfriend told officers Wanvig had talked about finding “a target” and how they would murder that person.
She said she thought it was just “silly talk”.
Jarvis told the court Wanvig had a list of criteria on his phone such as lives alone, pretty, no dogs and easy entry which to him shows preparation.
He said there was also a list of items on his phone of items he needed for when he committed the break and enters into the two Belleville businesses.
The other charges of mischief under $5,000, possession of a weapon dangerous and criminal harassment were withdrawn.
Crown Attorney Lee Burgess says had the ex-girlfriend not come forward, police might not have otherwise suspected Wanvig.
He said they don’t know if Wanvig would have followed through with the talk to commit murder but that is a risk they want to prevent.
Wanvig will appear in court on April 25, 2019 for sentencing.
He has been free on bail for 18 months now and will remain on bail with no changes to his conditions.
