Three Teenagers Charged in Shocking Murder of Calgary Youth
Calgary police have announced charges against three 15-year-old boys in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Carter Spivak-Villeneuve, a significant development in a case that has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence in the city. Authorities revealed the charges on Thursday, November 13, 2025, following an intensive investigation into the incident that occurred on August 1, 2025. Two of the youths are facing first-degree murder charges, with charges pending against the third.
The victim, Carter Spivak-Villeneuve, was found in a greenspace in the 300 block of Abergale Drive N.E.. Police indicated that the arrested individuals were known to the victim, and the tragic outcome was reportedly the result of an ongoing dispute. Due to legal protections under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the accused and further details of the crime have not been released.
This case adds to a growing conversation in Calgary regarding the rise of violence among young people. The city has experienced a reported 6% increase in youth crime over the five-year average, with overall violent crimes also seeing an uptick in recent quarters. Community perceptions suggest that while Calgary is generally considered safe, there is a recognized increase in social disorder, often linked to complex issues such as homelessness, drug use, and mental health challenges among youth.
In response to these trends, Calgary continues to support various initiatives aimed at prevention and early intervention. Programs like the Youth at Risk Development (YARD) Program, a partnership between the Calgary Police Service, The City of Calgary, and Alberta Health Services, work with youth aged 10 to 17 who are at risk of gang involvement or exhibiting high-risk behaviors, connecting them with social workers and police officers for support. The Calgary Youth Justice Society also offers diversion and leadership programs to help young people make positive choices.
As this deeply unsettling case proceeds through the courts, it reaffirms the critical importance for Calgary to continue investing in and collaborating on comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of youth violence, fostering safer environments and brighter futures for all young Calgarians.
