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Man accused in Vancouver toddler’s death keeps firing lawyers

The 23-month-old died at the scene while her father suffered life-altering physical injuries.
police tape don't cross
Man accused in toddler's accident date expected to enter plea May 18.

The man accused in the motor vehicle death of a Vancouver toddler is due in Vancouver Provincial Court on May 18 to enter a plea.

On July 6, 2021, a black Ford Escape collided with a black McLaren sports car at the intersection of Smithe and Hornby Streets.

The collision sent the SUV onto a sidewalk, hitting a man carrying his 23-month-old toddler.

"The child died, and the father was taken to hospital with life-altering injuries," the Vancouver Police Department said at the time.

Seyed Ramin Moshfeghi Zadeh, who is alleged to have been behind the wheel of the Escape, was charged with one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death and one count of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm.

He also faces two charges of breaching a release order and wilfully resisting or obstructing a police officer.

The case, now 293-day-old, has slowly made its way through the courts due to Moshfeghi Zadeh changing lawyers several times.

On May 4, the court heard that he's now represented by Sarah Leamon — his fourth lawyer on the charges.

The Crown told the court it has been ready to proceed on the case for some time. However, a preliminary hearing in the case in December was cancelled after Moshfeghi Zadeh parted ways with his second lawyer.

Hapin Lyu, an articling student with Leamon, said their firm has been asking for disclosure since April 15.

Lyu had asked for four weeks before the next court date.

"It's not going to be adjourned for four weeks," the judge said.

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