EDMONTON – Family of the 38-year-old woman charged with 23 counts of mischief in connection with the destruction of dozens of city bus shelters is shocked by the situation.
“This is not like her. It’s totally out of character for her.”
On Sunday, police charged Cynthia Elizabeth Zambrano with 21 counts of mischief under $5,000, two counts of mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Leonardo Antonio Autera, 55, has also been charged with 21 counts of mischief under $5,000, two counts mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
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“She has never had any record or any problem with police,” Zambrano’s family told Global News outside court on Friday. “She’s a quiet person. She’s led a quiet life.”
“We were very shocked,” her family said. “Disbelief. It just doesn’t make sense.”
The two accused are self-described photographers who have previously claimed to be working on a book featuring photos of Edmontonians at bus stops.
The windows of more than 70 bus shelters as well as windows in over a dozen homes and vehicles were destroyed in a recent crime spree. Most of the destruction occurred between Feb. 18 and Feb. 21 but more bus shelters were targeted on Feb. 26. Most of the incidents occurred in northeast Edmonton.
Police said they believe the damage was caused by slingshot marbles.
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On Friday, Zambrano appeared by CCTV in a bright yellow sweat suit.
She was granted bail but was given several conditions, including:
- She must remain in Alberta;
- She must surrender her passport and travel documents;
- She must not apply or renew her passport;
- She must obey a curfew between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- She must have no contact with Autera;
- She must not be in possession of slingshots or marbles;
Autera’s case was put over until March 11.
Zambrano’s family said Autera came from Italy.
“He’s taken control over her,” they claimed. “We have had no contact with her, except through him.”
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Last year, a reporter with the Edmonton Examiner met with Leonardo Autera and Cynthia Zambrano.
Madeline Cummings wrote a story about a freelance photography project which involved taking photos of people at Edmonton bus stops.
“I thought is sounded like an interesting story,” Cummings said. “They told me they had a photography project they were working on.”
Cummings said the two introduced themselves as long-time friends and that Zambrano interpreted for the Italian-speaking Autera.
“They said they were intrigued by the diversity of people they saw at bus stops and how this was one spot in the city where people of all different backgrounds tend to meet,” Cummings said. “They noticed a sense of peace on people’s faces.”
Cummings said the pair told her they intended to publish a book with the bus stop photos.