Sweeney Murder File

The brutal stabbing death of 23-year-old Renee Sweeney rocked the City of Sudbury to its core on Jan. 27, 1998.

Police searched for her killer for two decades and finally charged Robert Steven Wright, who was 18 years old at the time of the murder, in Dec. 2018.

After several delays, the trial began Feb. 21, 2023, just after the 25th anniversary of Sweeney's death. The jury delivered a guilty verdict after five weeks of testimony.

CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca has compiled all of the case coverage below, including archival news footage, the arrest, trial, verdict and now that the publication ban is lifted, we can reveal some exclusive extras.

Articles on the Sweeney murder case

Man sentenced in Sudbury for 1998 Renee Sweeney murder

WHERE TO WATCH US:

Antenna: 5
Bell Fibe: 402
Bell Satellite: 61, 221
Eastlink: 4
Shaw Direct: 356(classic), 050(advanced)
Vianet: 127SC

Fingerprint 'mistake' led to charge of first suspect in Sweeney murder

Under cross-examination by Crown prosecutor Rob Parsons, fingerprint expert Jeff Myatt said he was asked to examine two fingerprint impressions from the crime scene: a bloody print found on top of the cash tray at the crime scene, and a latent print found under the cash tray. (Supplied)

Jury selection goes smoothly, Sweeney murder trial to begin Thursday morning in Sudbury

Renee Sweeney was a 23-year-old student at Laurentian University who worked as a part-time clerk at Adults Only Video. She was stabbed to death while working at the store sometime between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, 1998. (File)

Historic Sudbury murder trial scheduled to begin next week

The scene outside Adults Only Video on Paris Street in Sudbury the day Renee Sweeney was murdered, Jan. 27, 1998. (Supplied)

Recent Video Reports

Sudbury News

Laurentian University shares status on Olympic pool, plans for future

Laurentian University provided an update on its plans for the future at a Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce event Tuesday.

Impaired driver stole vehicle, then smashed it, Manitoulin OPP say

An 18-year-old resident of Sagamok First Nation has been charged following an incident Sept. 23.

Manitoulin man in historical sexual assault case avoids jail time again

A Manitoulin Island taxi company owner charged in a historical sexual assault pleaded guilty to a lesser charge Tuesday morning, his second conviction this year.

Driver OK, but moose killed in northwest Ont. collision

Ontario Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario say a driver was lucky to emerge unscathed in a recent collision with a moose.

Report calls for more to be done to protect French language

A new report commissioned by L'Association canadienne-francaise de l'Ontario (L'ACFO), suggests the city of Greater Sudbury could be doing more to protect the French language.

Universite de Sudbury officials say more to come on its future

The president of Universite de Sudbury made an impassioned plea to allies of the francophone community on Monday morning in English at Franco-Ontarian Day as the school continues to try and garner support from the provincial government.

Sudbury mall wants to be new home for public library

Sudbury's downtown mall is vying to become the new home for the city’s main public library.

9th person in northeastern Ontario dies in off-road vehicle crash

A senior from Calvin Township died in a crash involving an off-road vehicle on private property east of North Bay on Sept. 20, police say.

Stay Connected