Lawyers for youth accused of murder still waiting to view evidence gathered by police
Lawyers for a New Brunswick youth charged with second-degree murder are still waiting to view the evidence collected by police in their investigation into a springtime homicide.
The 17-year-old, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, made a brief appearance by video in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday. He is accused of murdering a 34-year-old man in Nasonworth, a community about 15 kilometres south of Fredericton, on May 13.
He was scheduled to elect a mode of trial, but defence lawyer Gwynne Hearn told judge Natalie Leblanc she still had not received the package of evidence collected by police in their investigation into the homicide, commonly referred to as disclosure.
Crown prosecutor Cathleen Trafton said her office only received disclosure last week, and that it could be another week or two before it can be passed along to the youth's defence counsel.
The matter was adjourned until Sept. 4.
The RCMP said it responded around 11 a.m. on May 13 to a report of an assault with a weapon at a home on Nelson Drive.
Police said they found a man outside the residence with significant injuries, who died at the scene.
Shortly after, the 17-year-old was found walking on Phillips Road and was arrested.
The youth was in custody during his appearance Wednesday, and Hearn told the court he still reserves his right to seek bail pending trial.
The youth is also being represented by defence lawyer T.J. Burke.
