Oliver Karafa makes first court appearance in Hamilton after being extradited from Hungary
CBC
Oliver Karafa appeared in a Hamilton courtroom Thursday for the first time since he was sent back from Hungary to face murder charges.
He stood before a video screen in a blue sweater, with brown hair nearly shoulder-length and his hands clutched in front him.
Investigators say the Toronto man fled the country following a Stoney Creek homicide last year. He was brought back to Canada following a lengthy extradition process.
Karafa and Yun (Lucy) Lu Li, 25, also of Toronto, face charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with the death of 39-year-old Tyler Pratt.
Court heard Thursday that the pair are married.
Hamilton police said they travelled to eastern Europe less than 24 hours after Pratt was killed at an Arvin Avenue home around 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2021.
They are also charged with attempted murder after a 26-year-old woman was found seriously injured at the scene, according to police.
Karafa, who is Slovakian-Canadian, began an extradition hearing in July after he and Li were arrested by Hungarian police. Authorities returned Li to Canada that same month.
The appeal court in Hungary said Karafa argued his life and right to a fair trial couldn't be guaranteed if he was put in custody in Canada.
The court also said he made allegations of "corruption" against Hamilton police and the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.
He was returned to Hamilton on Wednesday and remains in custody. He appeared in court by video link the following morning.
Defence lawyer Leora Shemesh is representing Karafa. A publication ban is in place for the bail hearing.
Karafa's next court appearance is scheduled for April 5.
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