Murder suspect denied bail
By Delon Shurtz on June 14, 2022.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com A 27-year-old woman who hoped to be released from custody while her murder case made its way through court, has been denied bail.Justice Dallas Miller refused to release Melissa Martens-Lagasse following the conclusion of her bail hearing Monday in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench. Martens-Lagasse, who is charged with first-degree murder and causing an indignity to a human body, showed little emotion while Miller gave his decision or as she was returned to her cell at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.
The bail hearing, which was held last week but adjourned to Monday for the judge’s decision, was a reverse onus hearing, which means Calgary lawyer John Oman was obligated to show why Martens-Lagasse should be released. Normally the onus is on the Crown to show why an accused should remain in custody.
Arguments provided by the Crown and defence, as well as the judge’s reasons for his decision, are subject to a publication ban and cannot be reported.
The accused, who appeared in court by closed-circuit TV and has been in remand custody since her arrest in November, pleaded not guilty during a court hearing April 25. She also previously chose to be tried by Queen’s Bench judge and jury, without a preliminary hearing.
Martens-Lagasse is accused of killing 34-year-old Megan Eekma of southern Alberta.
Police reported that on Nov. 19, 2021 the victim was travelling with another person to Alberta from British Columbia, and during the trip something happened near Pincher Creek resulting in Eekma’s death.
Police said as a result of their investigation and tips from the public, a suspect was identified, and on Nov. 22 the Alberta major crimes unit arrested and charged Martens-Lagasse.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on July 11, and while she is in custody awaiting trial, Martens-Lagasse is prohibited from contacting or communicating with her mother. The Crown suggested defence should be prepared to take a step on the next court appearance.
Oman said he will meet with his client so they can make some “serious decisions.”
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