Calgary family encouraged by meeting with ambassador to Thailand

The father of a Calgary man gunned down in Thailand says he finally has a glimmer of confidence that the man accused in Leo Del Pinto's death will face justice.

An off-duty Thai police sergeant was arrested and charged with premeditated murder in the death of Del Pinto, 25, and for wounding his friend, fellow Canadian Carly Reisig of Chilliwack, B.C., in the town of Pai.

Del Pinto, his family and lawyer met for an hour with David Sproule, Canada's ambassador to Thailand, in Calgary on Monday.

"I think something came out of this. I'm happy," said Ernie Del Pinto who now expects justice will be done.

"I was (worried) because you'd have everybody say you're never going to get justice," he said. "I was worried about it and I think something will come out of this."

He said the police officer, who was originally reassigned, is now off duty and once the full investigation is concluded will go to trial.

The family was hesitant to discuss specifics but was assured that the Canadian government is fully involved in the case and would follow it through to the end.

"What I can tell you is the family is very pleased from the meeting. We have the personal assurance and the personal attendance of the Canadian government in relation to this matter and that's what we wanted," said family lawyer Adriano Iovinelli.

The mood is considerably more optimistic than when the family expressed concerns that Ottawa was stalling in giving them information and that the case would not go to trial.

Iovinelli said the investigation is being conducted by DSI, which he said is Thailand's "equivalent of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police" — the highest level of investigation in Thailand.

He said once that is concluded there will be a recommendation on prosecution and proceeding to trial.

The officer has said it was self-defence, but Del Pinto's father has said his son was shot at close range in the face and chest for defending Reisig and did nothing to deserve the attack.