An Angus man and a former Barrie resident have been arrested and charged in connection to a botched attempted murder plot in California last month, according to police.
Devin Wolfgang Vandorhoef, of Vancouver, formerly of Barrie, and Darius Avery Whyte, of Angus, both 25, were arrested in Monterey County on Nov. 25 and 26, respectively.
Just before 10 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, multiple calls came into 911 reporting that a person had been stabbed, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival along the 300 block of Bollenbacher Drive in the Bolsa Knolls area of Salinas, Calif., police say deputies located three people who had all received injuries consistent with being stabbed.
Police said all three individuals were transported to a local hospital with minor to critical injuries. All are expected to survive.
Local detectives allege that Vandorhoef and a female victim had previously met and gotten to know each other via an online gaming platform.
Police say Vandorhoef developed a year-long obsession with the victim, which led to him flying to California from Canada, where he resides. Vandorhoef was accompanied by Whyte.
On the date of the stabbing, police say Vandorhoef arrived at a Bollenbacher Drive home and knocked on the door while holding a package.
Police said he identified himself as a delivery driver. The victim’s boyfriend opened the door and Vandorhoef forced his way in and began stabbing the boyfriend with a knife, resulting in multiple critical injuries.
The woman grabbed a sharp, metal object and began defending her boyfriend, police say. While fighting back, the woman was strangled and stabbed by Vandorhoef, suffering moderate injuries.
During the struggle, the suspect also sustained multiple, critical stab wounds.
Detectives discovered that the package Vandorhoef was carrying when he arrived contained handcuffs, duct tape and knives, according to police. It is unknown to police how these items were intended to be used.
Police said Whyte was initially contacted near the scene and claimed he had no knowledge of what had happened.
Investigators allege Whyte was an accomplice of Vandorhoef during the incident and that he had knowledge of Vandorhoef’s intentions.
Police said Whyte was arrested on the morning of Monday, Nov. 26 as he sat on a flight at San Jose Mineta International Airport preparing to return to Canada.
Vandorhoef is currently being held on $4.15-million (US) bail, while Whyte is being held on $1-million bail.
Both are charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit attempted murder, among other charges.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
