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

Legal expert weighs in on Sudbury murder trial verdict, next steps

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

Speakeasy offers unique nightlife experience in Sudbury

A speakeasy is gaining popularity in Sudbury. It's called the Night Owl and it’s owned by the same people behind the coffee shop Books and Beans.

A speakeasy is gaining popularity in Sudbury. It's called the Night Owl and it’s owned by the same people behind the coffee shop Books and Beans. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News)

Drinking water advisory issued for parts of Greater Sudbury

A drop in water pressure because of a broken watermain prompted Public Health Sudbury & Districts to issue a drinking water advisory Thursday afternoon.

Pedestrian seriously hurt following collision with vehicle in Sudbury

One person is in hospital with serious injuries following a collision Thursday morning in Sudbury.

More details released on Laurentian U’s plan to sell land worth $53.5M to the province

On Thursday, Laurentian University gave an update on a plan to sell $53.5 million of its real estate to the province, money that is being used to pay off creditors.

Two arrested after Sudbury students attacked with bear spray, pellet gun

There was a scary incident Wednesday morning at Lasalle Secondary School in Sudbury. Two people wearing masks attacked students with bear spray and at least one was shot by a pellet gun.

Another northern Ont. resident charged for illegal backyard fire, 5th in one week

A fifth person in northern Ontario has been charged in less than a week for having a campfire during the fire ban.

Settlements end $100M class action lawsuit by alleged Manitoulin Island abuse survivors

A $100 million class action lawsuit launched on behalf of alleged victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy on Manitoulin Island has been abandoned after the victims reached individual settlements with the church.

Wildfire evacuation order west of Sudbury, Ont., expands, highway closed

A wildfire west of Sudbury, Ont., has quadrupled in size prompting evacuation orders to be expanded and one highway to close.

Stay Connected