ONTARIO PROVINCIAL COURTS
Case No. #1213684-11B
PRETRIAL EVIDENCE FOR DISCOVERY
INVESTIGATING OFFICERS: Det. ALICE SHAH and Det. MORRIS CHARLES
INCIDENT: 00168028-110-2017
DOCKET 12
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE FILES: STEPHANIE KOSTACHUK, WITNESS
APPENDIX 2
Officers recovered these electronic messages and posts from Stephanie Kostachuk’s cell phone pertaining to the plaintiff charged in incident 00168028-110-2017.
Section 1-1
From: stephbassist@gmail.com
To: craigslist 54307528
February 19
Hey, I saw your ad for a bass player.
I’m looking for a new project. I played bass in an all-girl metal cover band, then was the bassist and singer in an indie rock trio for three years, so I want to contribute vox to a new project, too.
I’d love to find out more!
Steph
From: craigslist 5430752841
To: 2b34da8e310236
February 20
Hi there, so a little about us: I’m on vocals and my guitarist is matt. Our sound is garage rock (a little nirvana, a little punk). We started the project together then added a drummer and a bassist. They didn’t work out now I want to find the right people. We’re jamming with a brand new drummer at the rehearsal factory tomorrow at 8 if you’d like to give it a try.
Brie
From: stephbassist@gmail.com
To: craigslist 54307528
February 22
Hi Brie,
I wasn’t able to make it last night but thanks for the invite!
Do you plan on adding keyboards at some point, too?
Asking because this sounds like an awesome project but my gut feeling is I should try something electronic. I’m really into dreampop and darkwave at the moment.
Also, I’m in my 30s.
All my best,
Steph
From: craigslist 5430752841
To: 2b34da8e310236
February 22
We just need you on bass, and we won’t be going in that direction musically, but I want to try you out we’re practicing again monday at 8. See you there?
Brie
ps we’re all the same age with jobs so don’t worry about that
Feb. 22
MEREDITH
Hey Mer, how’s your evening?
I have a chance to audition for
a new band. Should I do it? I’m
excited to play again.
Hi lovely, I’m watching Game of Thrones.
So much DRAMA!!!
And my diva darling, I thought
you were going to start your
own band?!!!
True. This could be
fun in the meantime?!
Just make sure it FEELS right.
Xoxo
Okay! Enjoy GoT! oxox
From: thebassgirl@gmail.com
To: craigslist 54307528
February 24
Hey Brie, okay, sure. I’ll try out. See you Monday night.
Steph
From: craigslist 5430752841
To: 2b34da8e310236
February 24
Room 9
Brie
Feb. 28 7:30 p.m.
ROWAN
Ro! I’m going to that audition I told
you about after all. I just want to play.
Headed there now.
Cool. Goof luck.
*good
My coworkers wanted
me to text someone in
case they’re ax murderers!
They don’t trust Craigslist ads!
I’m sure it’s fine.
Rehearsal Factory is like the
Starbucks of practice spaces.
Haha! You’ll be alright 🙂
Text me after though
10:30 p.m.
Hey! No ax murderers. Heading
home. Fun times! Jammed along
with three of their songs. They’re
going to let me know.
What was their music like?
Straight ahead indie rock.
Easy chords, though the guitarist
plays in a weird tuning so I had to
transpose everything on the spot.
Really good drummer. So steady.
Sounds fun 🙂
Yeah! I’ll let you know if I get in.
Still wish I coulda jammed with
you on some electronic stuff, but I
understand you’re busy. Want to grab
another drink though soon?
Sure. I’ll get back to you.
Feb 28
MEREDITH
Hey Mer, auditioned for that band I
told you about. Felt awesome to jam!
It’s been months since my trio
broke up. I’m rusty!
That’s DELICIOUS, Steph!!!
But you don’t want a repeat
the past. The struggle of your last band
to rise from the basement
and perform in public was EPIC.
YOU are an ambitious one.
Are these players PERFORMERS?
Are they ARTSTS and SPECIAL ONES?
Not at all chatty, so hard to say.
They charged me the $7.50 rehearsal space
split for the audition!? I won’t
quibble over seven bucks though.
I hope they’re more generous
with their playing! GOOD LUCK.
xoxoxox
Oh. Haha, call your band
ARTST, like TRST
Right?! what do we need vwls for
nymr :S
Feb. 28
BRIE
Hey, so matt, hassan n I chatted and
they want you in. you’ll play bass and
can do quiet backup vocals but I’m the singer.
next practice same time next week
studio 7
Sweet! Thanks Brie! I’ll practice the
chords Matt showed me and work
on basslines and harmonies.
Looking forward! 🙂
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat March 6
Brie: We need to decide on a band name. why hasn’t anyone given suggestions yet? We talked about that.
Steph: Oh, right. I think Shadow Kitten or Whisper Season. I checked on Bandcamp and they’re both available.
Hassan: I like Whisper Season!
Brie: I like whisper season too.
Matt: It’s cool! I’m down with that!
Brie: But what about my suggestion, the lavinias? I said that one at practice. It’s what I want.
Matt: Sounds like an STD.
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat March 10
Brie: Here’s the promo postor for the april show.
Hassan: It says Amp Girl? I thought we were Whisper Season.
Brie: I decided it was best to stick with our original name to bring out our audience.
Steph: Oh, I wish I’d known that. I spent a lot of time brainstorming and researching names.
Brie: You vetoed lavinias though and I still think that was the best name.
Steph: That was Matt, actually.
Brie: Whatever. If we can’t be teh lavinias we’re amp girl.
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat March 12
Brie: Why hasn’t anyone promoted the show poster on their fb pages? Why am I doing this all myself?
Steph: I posted it and got ten likes. You liked it, too.
Hassan: I’m not really on Facebook except to check for band messages.
Matt: What room are we in for tomorrow’s rehearsal? Also, I might be a few minutes late.
Brie: 9! I’m sick of doing the bookings too!
Hassan: I can do the bookings.
Brie: None of you are contributing. it’s so frustrating!
Section 1-2
March 12
ROWAN
Hey Ro, what are you doing on Thursday night?
I have an extra ticket to see Beach House.
I’ll take the ticket.
Awesome! It’ll be fun!
The singer in my band is stressing about
a show we’re playing next month
and my work is busy. How are you?
Busy at work too.
How is she stressing?
We show up for every rehearsal, mostly
on time, but she says we’re not doing
enough. I never know what her
expectations are until she gets mad.
Sounds passive aggressive.
Yeah. Hopefully she’ll relax.
Looking forward to Thursday!
Section 1-3
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat April 6
Matt: What time is load in for tomorrow night again?
Hassan: I think it’s 6:30 p.m. Brie?
Matt: Texted her and she didn’t reply.
Steph: I texted her to find out if there’s a guest list and she didn’t text back either. Anyone else know?
Matt: I think there is one. I’ll message one of the other bands and find out.
Matt: Yeah, there’s guest list. Send me names and I’ll put people on.
Hassan: Thanks for doing that. Add my brother please.
Steph: Amazing! Please add my friends Meredith and Rowan.
Matt: Done. Anyone hear from Brie yet?
April 7
HASSAN
Hello Steph.
I’m worried about tonight’s show
because nobody’s heard from Brie.
I’m not sure how we’re supposed
to play if she’s not talking to us.
Yeah, it’s weird. Do you think she’s
going to cancel?
We spent so much time rehearsing! I
guess we show up for sound check
and hope for the best. I have mixed
feelings about that because it
seems unfair and uncomfortable.
April 7
ROWAN
Thanks so much for coming to our
band’s first show, Ro! Why did you leave
before I could talk to you?
Had another thing had
to get to.
Cool. Sorry the set was rough. We
rehearsed but Brie wasn’t talking
to any of us before the show or onstage
which made it so challenging. She
showed up late for sound check with
no pants on then had a panic attack
the green room. I didn’t know until
the minute we were on stage that
we were actually going to play the set!
We had a band meeting after though and
hashed it out.
That’s the craziest lead singer story
I’ve heard in a long time.
Is she unhinged?
It’s stressful dealing with her.
Lead singer syndrome is real.
Also funny.
Not joking!
Oh.
April 7
HASSAN
That was terrible. I’m still embossed
we didn’t play a better set, especially
with my brother there.
Thanks so much for the talk
on the way home. I needed that
reassurance and validation.
I feel like I came close to quitting
the band tonight.
*embarrassed, sorry auto-correct
No worries.
I needed the chat too, and appreciated
the ride home. That band meeting Brie
insisted on after the set was intense.
In my other bands after a show
it was all hugs and vodka shots!
Yeah, same. Brie takes all of this
very seriously. I want to give her
a chance and understand.
I think a lot of it is nerves
Stage fright?
Yes. I feel like she freaked out
within her own self and then
when she couldn’t handle that
she took it out on us.
I get nervous onstage too, but
a band is a team, which should
make it easier!
For sure. Hope she heard what
we were saying and learned she
can trust us, so next time is better.
April 8 2:30 a.m.
ROWAN
Good base playung tonight.
You still up?
April 8 9:30 a.m.
ROWAN
Hey, Rowan. I turned my phone
off after I got home. Did you
want to chat about something?
April 8
MEREDITH
Thanks again for coming to our show!
So sorry for the heated band meeting
after. I wanted to hang with you and have
a drink!
You played sooo well, Steph!
Your singer is TOXIC though.
She said she had stage fright.
BE CAREFUL!!!!
She vibed me out.
xoxoxox
April 12
ROWAN
Hey, have you heard the new single
by The Soft Moon? Reminded me of
the show we went to together at Lee’s Palace.
I’ll check it out.
How’s everything?
Good. Busy. How’s
the band now?
#Ugh #Mess
Section 1-4
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat May 10
Brie: Did everyone learn the cover of heavy metal heart for tomorrow’s practice?
Hassan: I’m not sure that we discussed this?
Matt: Cover?
Steph: Didn’t realize we decided what cover to play yet?
Brie: We talked about this steph! YOU NEVER LISTEN TO ME!
Hassan: First I’ve heard of it, too, Brie.
Brie: None of you ever remember what I say in practice.
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat May 11
Brie: We’re in studio 7 did all of you learn the cover?
Hassan: I had to work last night.
Matt: Not yet. Let’s jam it out tonight.
Steph: To be honest I’m not feeling it. Let’s choose a cover we all like.
Brie: We’re not going to do a cover anymore!
May 12
MEREDITH
Hey, we’re playing another show.
May 22, at the Cameron House.
I will be there in SPIRIT to support YOU.
I’m going to an art gallery opening
that night in body presence!
How is the band vibe, IMPROVED?!
Nohhh. I feel like I can do no right.
I’m going to visualize your singer
in a GLASS BELL JAR, so her energy
is CONTAINED.
Witchy! I like it!
Do not fight her negativity.
You cannot win against
an expression of EGO.
Take the HIGH ROAD.
Be the loveliest YOU.
xoxoxoxox
May 12
ROWAN
Hey, we’re playing another show!
May 22 if you can make it.
I’ll have to check with Ellie.
Ellie?
Yeah, she’s nice. I think you’ll
get along.
Okay, well, look forward to meeting her.
May 12
MEREDITH
Rowan has a new girlfriend.
Oh, HONEY!
I’m going to pretend my heart
didn’t just smash.
There are REASONS you’re
not dating him. Remember?
Rowan always cares most about Rowan.
I know it still hurts though.
HUGS! xoxoxo
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat May 11
Brie: emergency! I’m printing the gig posters. I ran out of ink and chang3d the cartridge but the postrs r streaky! where can I print???
Matt: If you can wait til Monday I can print them at work.
Brie: No! It has to be this weekend so we can post them around!
Hassan: We have posters?
Steph: Kinkos is good. Isn’t it close to your place?
Brie: I’m devastated we can’t print. I give up on posters.
May 13
MEREDITH
How’s the painting, Mer?!
I’m practicing my own stuff
tonight. I wish I could write a song
but I’m exhausted.
I’m having a glass of wine in my
pajamas! Taking it easy.
YOU SHOULD TOO!!!
Yes! Some people are
so draining to be around.
Energy vampires. STAY AWAY!
Yeah. I’m trying to take the high road
(like you said!) with Brie but
she ignores it.
Keep it up though! It might shift
things. Energy changes things.
Shall we have
DRINKS next week? <3
Definitely!
xoxoxoxo
Facebook Messenger
Message to Jason J May 14
Hey Jason! Thanks for coming to the Amp Girl show!
I’m wondering if you would please share what happened
when you were the bass player? The music is fun to play
but the atmosphere is frosty, which is something I’m not
used to.
Hey, it was good to see you there. And there were definitely specific
reasons why I left Amp Girl aside from concentrating on my new band.
When I joined Brie made it clear it was her project and sound.
At that point I was already one foot out the door. At rehearsals no
one said anything. Frosty is the perfect word for it. I guess you can
say creative differences. Anyway, this is just between you and me.
Thanks so much. This is helpful as my experience is similar.
I definitely prefer to collaborate! This is also between you
and me but I’m looking for another project.
To invest in a band and not have creative input isn’t great. I’ll let
you know if I hear of something else.
May 14
HASSAN
Hey, Hassan. Out of curiosity,
did Brie make it seem like the
previous drummer and bassist
were asked to leave or left?
Hello Steph,
It was my understanding
they weren’t a good fit.
But I didn’t ask for the
whole story. I didn’t think
it was my business to.
I just found out they quit.
Oh. Really?
That is a surprise to me.
I don’t know what to say.
I will think on that.
Yeah.
May 14, 8:46 p.m.
ROWAN
Hey, how’s your night going?
Out with friends from
work. I think I drank too
much on an empty stomach.
Hope you feel better!
May 15, 2:22 a.m.
Stephhhhhh! U stilll up?
Facebook Amp Girl Private Band Chat May 17
Hassan: We’re in room 8 for rehearsal tonight.
Brie: I’m bringing the band zine. It’s done and going to sell it at our show and I want you to promote it.
Matt: We have a zine?
Brie: yes, I made it.
May 17
HASSAN
Hello Steph,
Sorry to interrupt your day, but
the more I think about it, the
more uncomfortable I feel about
that zine Brie made. Where did the
anti-government stuff come from?
It’s like she’s trying to be anarchist
but it reads like right wing fake news
instead. We’re in our 30s, not a
high school punk band. I don’t feel it
speaks for all of us.
Hey Hassan, I’m feeling the same way.
She should have talked it through
with us. I wish we could work together
on these things.
I also didn’t like that she used a photo of us
without asking. She looks good but
I don’t like that photo of me.
The whole thing is embarrassing.
I couldn’t talk about it at tonight’s practice
But I also don’t want to fight about it
after the show in a “band meeting.”
We could just ignore it and play
another tense show or address it.
Thinking about calling Brie tomorrow.
I want us to have open communication
but Brie shuts us out. She walked
into Rehearsal Factory tonight
without even saying hello. It’s like
she resents me for playing in the
band.
I’m not sure if I can do this anymore.
I know. It’s late and this is a big
decision though.
Touch base again tomorrow,
see how we feel?
Yeah, I’ll message you.
May 18, 11 a.m.
HASSAN
I thought it over and I can’t
play another tense show. Brie
is unpredictable and she crossed
a line with the zine. I don’t think
this is a good project for me anymore.
I don’t feel good about playing
the show and if we can’t resolve
our conflicts I can’t be in the band either.
I don’t think it’s going to get better,
Steph. I can talk to Brie today on
behalf of both of us if you feel
comfortable with that.
Okay. Yes. I appreciate that.
May 18, 4 p.m.
HASSAN
Hello Steph, I wanted to let you know
I called Brie from my therapist’s office
and it’s done. I quit and said you’re out too.
Brie was quiet but she knows she did wrong.
She did say sorry.
Thank you Hassan. I know that
couldn’t have been easy.
Sounds like you handled it well.
I’m glad we were able to talk it over.
That made it easier. I’m exhausted
right now so will have to talk to you
More later.
I really liked playing in a band
with you. Maybe we can jam
again sometime!
Sounds good.
May 18
MATT
Hey Matt, did Hassan talk to you?
Hey, didn’t talk to Hassan but
Brie let me know the news. I’m sad
but I also get it. It’s been so tense.
Yeah, unfortunately that’s true.
we made some good music together
but had very different working styles.
There were a lot more hugs in my previous
bands so this was a different experience.
I really enjoyed jamming with you though.
Let’s stay in touch. I’m going to be around
and looking for new projects.
May 18
MEREDITH
My band just broke up! Feeling heartbroken.
That’s bound to be painful, hon.
I HEAR that, but I also see
a situation that had PLAYED OUT
the way is now clear for
you to GROW. You’ll
be better off. Your singer was
toxic. How did it happen?
My drummer called her. From his therapist’s
office!
He’s a GOOD MAN.
I’m going to get him to have all my difficult
conversations for me from now on!
HAHA! that’s handy.
He stood up for you!
Yes, he did. I’m still taking the high road.
I said I’d play in a band with him again. Matt
too.
Wait, REALLY?
What???
That seems SOOOON to talk about.
I guess so. Well, we’ll see.
How’s your evening going?
Good. I’m in the studio.
PAINTING.
You’re amazing. I can’t wait to come see
your next gallery show!
I need to renegotiate things
with the curator. Lend me
your drummer for the
difficult conversation? <3
Of course!
xoxoxoxo
May 18, 7:18 p.m.
ROWAN
Ro, my band broke up. It feels like I
Just broke up with three people.
But it wasn’t working anymore.
Thanks for coming to our show.
That meant a lot.
Sorry to hear. You’ll find
another band. Lots of bands need
bass players
If you ever want to jam let me know.
May 18, 9:02 p.m.
ROWAN
Want to come to a DJ event
tonight? Ellie is out of town.
What time?
I’ll be at Velvet Underground
by 11.
Cool. See you then 🙂
😉
May 19
HASSAN
Hey so since yesterday Brie’s
tried texting and calling 6 times.
I was very clear but she said she
was confused about our conversation.
I told her I couldn’t talk again and I’m
emotionally drained now by her.
Has she been in touch with you?
Yikes! Brie hasn’t contacted me
at all. It looks like she unfriended
me on Facebook, too. I texted
Matt and he says he gets it.
No hard feelings there.
I can’t believe she would unfriend
you! That’s mean. And weird. Does
she blame you? I’m the one who quit!
However, I still feel good about our decision.
I’m going to try and put it out of my
head. Touch base on the weekend?
Yes. Take it easy Hassan!
Steph Kostachuk Facebook status, May 19
I’m sad to say this week saw the end of Amp Girl, the band I was in, over creative differences. The four of us made great music together while it lasted and I’m grateful for the friendships. The band may be back later with a different line-up, but I’m choosing to move in a new direction musically. Thank you so much to everyone who supported the band this year by coming to our shows and listening to our songs.
Jess Eng Too bad! All the best with your new projects!
Evan Smith Onward and upward
Jeff Carleton Incredibly unprofessional to bail on a show.
Steph Kostachuk It wasn’t my initiative. It’s something that happened as a group. We would have played the show if we were able. We just weren’t.
Rowan Rose Steph, are you a professional musician?
Steph Kostachuk Haha, no, music is my fun side gig.
Rowan Rose Tagging the group unprofessional is unfair. Pay no attention Steph!
Felicia Annabel Sorry to hear!
May 19
ROWAN
Who’s that Jeff guy? He’s
a moron. Don’t listen to him.
I’m sorry your band broke up.
Thanks Rowan, and yeah, that wasn’t
helpful when I’m already feeling
bad about the breakup, but I’m not
going to let it get to me.
And his music videos suck.
I looked him up on Fb.
Not my favourite either.
He’s friends with the guitarist from the
band so I guess he’s upset about the
break up and blaming me it was the
drummer who quit and I wouldn’t
play without him. Anyway,
I don’t need this.
No you don’t.
Anyway, have to go.
Ellie’s here.
May 19
HASSAN
Hey Steph, I finally replied to Brie and her
response was vicious. My therapist
said it was verbal abuse so I’m going
to distance myself from her.
If you were thinking of contacting her
I recommend against it. Stay a safe
distance away.
I’m sorry that happened, Hassan.
Thanks for the advice. I’ll definitely take it.
May 20
Facebook notification: Matt Owens posted on the event page for Garage Night hosted by Jenna Side at Stop Drop & Roll featuring Sweater Pants, Mazola and Amp Girl on May 22.
Matt Owens
Saturday night! Come out to hear us play! We’re doing an acoustic mishmash with guest Rowan Rose on drums!
Rowan Rose Yes!
Jeff Carleton I double booked myself! Can’t be there, sorry!
Amy Lowe Sweet
May 20
ROWAN
Rowan, WTF?
You’re playing with Amp Girl?
Why?
May 20
HASSAN
Oh wow. Brie and Matt are going to
play the show anyway, without us.
It feels tactless like we didn’t mean
anything. It doesn’t feel good that they
were so quick to replace me.
I don’t understand it at all, Hassan.
I’ll definitely be with friends
night of the show elsewhere if
you want to join.
May 23
HASSAN
Steph, did you hear the news yet?
I just woke up. What happened?
I wasn’t there, but Brie panicked
again. She didn’t manage to wear shoes,
or comb her hair but had on a T-shirt dress
she ripped up during the opening song.
Then she yelled at the drummer for messing up.
The drummer stood, visibly drunk,
fell over his drum kit and grabbed her.
He pushed her but was much bigger and she
did a header off the stage. No one in the audience
tried to catch her. There was a video online
but the police already took it down.
My god. Is she okay?
No, she didn’t make it.
That drummer Rowan was charged
with manslaughter, I think. Or
aggravated assault. Or. Not sure.
They arrested him.
Whoah.
Do you know that guy?
He’s a friend.
Or was.
I think she was very unstable at the end.
Gotta go, police are at my door.
This is such a mess.
Sending hugs, Hassan!
May 23
MATT
Matt, I just heard. What happened?
If you didn’t quit the band
none of this would have happened.
Go to hell. Brie was my friend.
May 23
MEREDITH
Hi Meredith, thanks for the drinks
last night. Something horrible happened
at the Amp Girl show. Check the online
news. I’m in shock and upset, obviously.
I feel like your intuition about everyone
was right all along. I should have listened.
The police are here and want my
phone for evidence. Sorry, but that
includes a few of our texts. Don’t
worry about texting back right now.
I’ll call you later. xoxo