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

Students in Sudbury learn about ATV safety

Students from Confederation Secondary School in Sudbury hit the trails Wednesday as a part of an all-terrain vehicle safety program.

Students from Confederation Secondary School in Sudbury hit the trails Wednesday as a part of an all-terrain vehicle safety program. (Ashley Bacon/CTV News)

As financial crisis ends, Laurentian resumes giving out bursaries, scholarships

A Sudbury father says he is thankful a bursary set up in his daughter's memory has been reinstated at Laurentian University.

McCauley's daughter, Karen, passed away at the age of 50. He describes his daughter as a natural academic with a passion for social work. (Supplied)

Elliot Lake suspect charged with starting bonfire – at someone else’s home

Ontario Provincial Police in Elliot Lake have charged one person with violating the fire ban following an incident June 6 on Bennett Drive.

Sudbury police want to thank Good Samaritan who helped officer with violent suspect

Greater Sudbury Police want to thank a resident who helped one of their officers subdue a violent suspect.

Wildfire west of Sudbury prompts evacuation order, total active fires in northern Ont. grows to 54

A northern Ontario forest fire that started west of Sudbury on Sunday morning has grown to more than 1,000 hectares and has prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for the immediate area as the number of active fires in the region grows.

Sudbury students learn about Indigenous culture

Elementary students from the Sudbury Catholic District School Board had a glimpse into First Nations culture Tuesday, taking part in a traditional powwow.

Art Gallery of Sudbury looks for support after thieves do $15K in damage

The Art Gallery of Sudbury is looking for help from the community after two external air conditioning units were damaged by thieves, leading to a $15,000 repair bill.

Return of the tent caterpillar in northern Ontario

Tent caterpillar infestations are a problem in northern Ontario every few summers and it looks like they could be returning this year.

Stay Connected