Former Police Officer and University Administrator Charged with Second-Degree Murder

May 5, 2026, 18:27
CanadaOther

Introduction

Michaelo Markicevic, 67, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after a fatal shooting in North York.

Main Body

The incident took place on April 30, 2026, near Marlee Avenue and Glengrove Avenue West. Toronto Police officials, including Inspector Peter Wallace, stated that the victim, 47-year-old Daniel Stopnicki, suffered several gunshot wounds to the head. Consequently, this event marks the seventh homicide in the city so far this year. Investigation into the suspect's professional background shows a history of legal problems. Markicevic previously worked as an officer with the Collingwood Police Service, but he resigned around 1995 or 1996. Furthermore, records from the Sun Times show that in the early 1990s, he faced several charges for assault and witness intimidation, although he was not convicted of these crimes. Additionally, Markicevic served as an Assistant Vice-President at York University in the early 2000s, which ended in a major legal battle. The court found that between 2007 and 2010, Markicevic organized fraudulent schemes using his staff, causing losses of over one million dollars. However, other charges related to money laundering and fraud were withdrawn in 2013.

Conclusion

The accused is expected to appear in court again this Thursday.

Learning

πŸš€ The 'Connective' Leap: From Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because to join your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Signposts. These are words that tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

Look at these specific markers from the text:

1. The 'Result' Marker: Consequently

  • A2 style: It rained, so the game stopped.
  • B2 style: It rained; consequently, the game was cancelled.
  • Why? It creates a formal cause-and-effect link. Use it when you want to sound professional or academic.

2. The 'Adding' Marker: Furthermore & Additionally

  • A2 style: He was a cop. Also, he worked at a university.
  • B2 style: He worked as a police officer; furthermore, he served as a Vice-President.
  • Why? These words signal that you are building a stronger argument by adding more evidence. They are much more powerful than just saying "and."

3. The 'Contrast' Marker: However

  • A2 style: He stole money, but some charges were dropped.
  • B2 style: He organized fraudulent schemes; however, other charges were withdrawn.
  • Why? While "but" is for conversation, "however" is for structured writing. It prepares the reader for a surprise or a change in direction.

πŸ’‘ Pro-Tip for your B2 Journey: Notice how these words are often followed by a comma (e.g., Consequently, ...). This is a key structural habit of advanced English speakers. Stop thinking in short, choppy sentences and start building 'bridges' between your thoughts using these three categories: Result β†’\rightarrow Addition β†’\rightarrow Contrast.

Vocabulary Learning

arrested (v.)
taken into custody by the police
Example:The suspect was arrested after the police found evidence at the crime scene.
charged (v.)
formally accused of a crime
Example:He was charged with second-degree murder following the investigation.
fatal (adj.)
causing death
Example:The gunshot was fatal, killing the victim instantly.
incident (n.)
an event, especially an accident or crime
Example:The incident on April 30th shocked the entire community.
victim (n.)
a person harmed or injured in an event
Example:The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
gunshot (n.)
a sound made by a gun firing
Example:The police heard a gunshot from the alleyway.
wounds (n.)
injuries caused by a blow or cut
Example:The medical team treated the victim's wounds.
homicide (n.)
the killing of one person by another
Example:This case is the seventh homicide in Toronto this year.
investigation (n.)
the process of looking into a crime
Example:The investigation revealed a history of legal problems.
professional (adj.)
relating to a job or occupation
Example:He had a professional background in law enforcement.
background (n.)
a person's past experiences or history
Example:His background includes work as a police officer.
legal (adj.)
relating to the law
Example:The case involved several legal issues.
problems (n.)
difficulties or issues
Example:He faced many problems after the charges.
resigned (v.)
left a job or position voluntarily
Example:He resigned from the police service in 1995.
charges (n.)
formal accusations of wrongdoing
Example:The charges included assault and intimidation.
assault (n.)
an attack or physical attack
Example:Assault is a serious crime under the law.
intimidation (n.)
the act of frightening someone
Example:Witness intimidation can hinder justice.
convicted (v.)
found guilty in a court
Example:He was never convicted of those crimes.
vice-president (n.)
a senior executive who assists the president
Example:She served as a vice-president at York University.
fraudulent (adj.)
deceptive or dishonest
Example:The scheme was found to be fraudulent.