A suspect in the case of missing Ancaster, Ont., father Timothy Bosma is “shocked” by the allegations linking him to the man’s disappearance, his lawyer said Monday.
Deepak Paradkar, the lawyer representing 27-year-old Dellen Millard, told reporters his client intends to plead “100 per cent not guilty.”
Millard, one of two men believed to have last been seen with 32-year-old Bosma on May 6, was arrested in Mississauga, Ont., on Saturday and charged with forcible confinement and theft over $5,000.
Millard appeared in court via video link on Saturday and was remanded to custody until Wednesday, Paradkar said. Millard is remaining silent as they await the Crown’s evidence in the case.
“We look forward to seeing what that evidence is that would assist my client in his defence,” Paradkar said.
Paradkar confirmed that Dellen Millard’s family founded and operate Millard Air, a charter airline that once flew out of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
When Millard’s dad died in December, he took over as the company’s CEO.
Millard broke a record when he was 14 for being the youngest Canadian to fly solo in both an airplane and a helicopter in the same day.
Paradkar described Millard as “humble” and “unassuming” with a good head on his shoulders and no criminal record.
A day after Millard’s arrest, Hamilton police said a truck believed to belong to Bosma was located inside a trailer that police said is owned by Millard.
In a statement released Monday, Hamilton said they are seeking a warrant to search the trailer. “Until this is done, police cannot confirm that it is Mr. Bosma’s vehicle.”
The trailer was found outside the Kleinberg, Ont., home of Millard’s mother, Madeleine.
Paradkar said Madeleine Millard co-operated with police at her Kleinberg, Ont. residential property Saturday.
“She has absolutely no knowledge or involvement in the matter,” Paradkar said, adding she is concerned for her son’s wellbeing.
Neighbours call police
Neighbours told CTV News on Monday that they first spotted the trailer on Thursday, but waited a couple of days before reporting it to police.
“A few neighbours got together and said: ‘It doesn’t really look right, the way it’s parked; we’ve never seen the trailer before,’ ” said neighbour Frank Cianfarani. “We decided to call York region (police).”
Millard’s arrest led investigators to the Millardair Hangar 53 at Waterloo International Airport, where police were stationed over the weekend. On Monday, investigators scoured the property.
Second suspect at large
Meanwhile, police have concentrated the search for Bosma in the Kitchener and Waterloo area, and are continuing their hunt for a second suspect wanted in connection to Bosma’s disappearance.
Police said Monday they have received more than 500 tips from the public.
The second suspect is described as white with a medium build. He is approximately five-foot-nine inches tall with dark hair. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head.
Bosma has been missing since May 6 after taking two strangers on a test drive of his black 2007 Dodge Ram pickup truck, which he was selling online.
Both his wife and his mother have made impassioned public pleas for Bosma’s return.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the police at 905-546-2100 or Crime Stoppers.
