Hostage case closer to moving forward

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on August 12, 2023.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The case of a woman facing numerous criminal charges, including attempted murder, is closer to the next steps after appearing in Lethbridge court of justice Friday.
 After failing to appear during morning court, and later appearing via Webex in the afternoon, Lethbridge lawyer Marcus Mueller, who represents the accused, Courtney Louise Shaw, said Friday in Lethbridge court of justice that he needs more time to work with Crown prosecutors in Medicine Hat before he’s ready to take a step.
 “We believe we’ve completed an agreed statement of facts, not actually 100 per cent complete yet, but we feel as though we’re ready for the next step,” said Mueller.
 Mueller said in a previous court appearance that once the final draft of the agreed statement of facts is complete, Shaw will enter pleas, pre-sentence reports will be ordered, and sentencing can be scheduled.
But due to a conflict of courtroom scheduling, he isn’t sure when those steps will take place, he said when appearing on Friday afternoon.
 “I’m not 100 per cent sure that will ultimately be the date that we execute the next step, but it could be, so if this can simply go to Aug. 17,” said Mueller.
 During the afternoon portion of Lethbridge court of justice, Judge Erin Olsen reminded Mueller of court protocols after he failed to appear in court during morning court.
 “It’s been three-and-a-half hours since court officially started at 9:30 this morning. I guess I wasn’t specific enough about you being here at 1 sharp. I had meant for you to be here, unless you’re out of the city on another matter. I just don’t understand why you’re making docket appearances from an office in Lethbridge, if that’s where you are, instead of being in the courtroom, particularly on serious matters,” said Olsen.
 She reminded him there are formalities that need to be respected, particularly with clients who are in custody.
 “I think you need to consider when you’re in Lethbridge, that you’re in the Lethbridge courthouse, doing Lethbridge court business. If you’re in other areas, I understand why people make Webex appearances, but I think you need to start managing your time in a way that you can be here in person. That would be my suggestion to you sir,” said Olsen.
 In addition to attempted murder, Shaw, 41, is charged with numerous additional offences, including aggravated assault, taking a hostage, and multiple counts of pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, unlawful confinement, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and assault with a weapon. 
The charges stem from an incident on July 14, 2022 when, according to police, a woman entered Lethbridge Legal Guidance in the 400 block of 5 Street South, where four employees were working, and asked to speak to a specific lawyer. After being told the lawyer wasn’t available, the suspect asked to use a washroom and 10 minutes later returned and pointed a black handgun at two employees and threatened to kill them. One employee grabbed a phone and hid under her desk to call 911.
 Police said the woman also had a knife and threatened to kill the employees if they tried to leave and didn’t get the lawyer on the phone. She then forced a 54-year-old woman into an office and closed the door, allowing the other employees to escape. The hostage, however, was stabbed numerous times and required surgery. Police seized a knife and an airsoft handgun at the scene.
 Shaw was ultimately sent for a 30-day assessment to determine whether she was, at the time of the commission of the alleged offence, suffering from a mental disorder that could exempt her from criminal responsibility.
 Although the matter is heading for resolution without a trial, the Crown was not so sure just couple of months ago.
 During a hearing June 8, Lethbridge Crown Prosecutor Clayton Giles said his counterparts in Medicine Hat felt there might be too great a divide between the two sides, and they were not close to reaching an agreement.
 “They are concerned that the ECR discussions, while proceeding, are proceeding very, very slowly; that there is a great gulf between the two positions, and that…the notion that it’s going to reach that resolution is starting to become a dwindling process, from their perspective,” Giles said.
 The matter is scheduled to return on Aug. 17.
 “Mr. Mueller you would be expected to be here in person for that please, at 9:30,” said Olsen.  
-with files from Delon Shurtz

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