Man sentenced to life for murder of Calgary woman after plotted rape scheme

During a silent hearing in Calgary, prosecutor Vicki Faulkner read text exchanges between Steven Zwick and his associate, referred to as PR, that outlined a plan to abduct, bind and sexually assault women while recording the acts for sale. After an initial target withdrew, the pair focused on Chelsea Davidenas, luring her to PR’s boarding-house room on February 2024, where Zwick placed her in a chokehold and PR tied her limbs.

Davidenas struggled and died before any rape could occur, according to the Crown’s agreed statement of facts. Zwick pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was handed a life sentence with a 15-year parole ineligibility period. PR remains charged and will stand trial in January. Following the murder, Zwick moved the body to a rural area near Strathmore and later attempted another attack on a woman named Ashley, which was thwarted when she escaped and alerted police, prompting an undercover operation and Zwick’s confession.