Billboards ask for justice for Calgarian slain in Thailand

Billboards are being erected in Calgary on Tuesday to publicize a letter-writing campaign for justice in the case of Leo Del Pinto, who was shot to death by a police officer in Thailand in January.

Ernie Del Pinto, Leo's father, wants Calgarians to write to their members of Parliament, demanding action in the case.

"What reason was behind this senseless, senseless death of my son," he told CBC News on Monday. "My son did nothing wrong for this person, this police officer, to shoot him dead. My thoughts? When is justice going to be served?"

Leo Del Pinto, 24, died of two gunshot wounds to his face and torso in the northern Thai town of Pai. At the time, local police reported that an officer trying to intervene in a fight between Del Pinto and his friend Carly Reisig discharged his gun three times.

But Reisig, who was also shot, said the off-duty policeman punched her in the face as she and Del Pinto were leaving a restaurant and that her friend was just trying to defend her.

The Thai government has told the lawyer representing the Del Pinto family that the case could go to trial this fall.

Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs told CBC News Tuesday that Secretary of State Helena Guergis (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) has written twice to the Thai foreign minister to "highlight the importance of the Del Pinto case and to press for a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting."

Ernie Del Pinto, who has painted his truck with "Justice delayed is justice denied," said he wants his son's death to serve as a reminder to Canadian travellers abroad to be aware of potentially dangerous situations.

The billboards, which say "Justice for Leo," are being donated by Pattison Outdoor Advertising, and will be erected in locations across Calgary. One is already up at 19th Street and McKnight Boulevard N.E. Five similiar signs will be placed on Calgary transit buses.