Randy and Evi Quaid Staying in Canada as U.S. Department of Justice Denies Request to Extradite

Couple avoids extradition to face felony vandalism charges in California, after the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office request was turned down.

By Brandi Fowler Jul 17, 2011 4:39 PMTags
Randy Quaid, Evi QuaidAP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward

The Great White North will get to hang on to Randy Quaid and wife Evi.

You're welcome, Canada.

What's the reason? An extradition request by the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office, which would have brought the couple back to face charges of felony vandalism, has been denied.

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The U.S. Department of Justice turned down the district attorney's office request made earlier this year, because the long process of seeking extradition from Canada is usually reserved for more serious offenses than the Quaids have racked up, according to the Toronto Sun.

The couple, wanted in Santa Barbara on felony vandalism charges, allegedly caused more than $5,000 in damages to a guest house they formerly owned.

Although the couple pleaded not guilty to those charges last September, the drama with the duo began when they failed to show up to court after posting bail.

They later resurfaced in Vancouver the following month with claims that "Hollywood star whackers" were out to get Randy, making it impossible for him to return to Hollywood for anything but "work."

So, what does this mean for the Quaids? It's safe to say they won't be leaving Canada any time soon.

Meanwhile, the district attorney still wants justice for the Quaid's alleged actions, saying the couple's arrest warrants remain active and "should the Quaids return to the United States, they will be arrested."