Accused killer’s counsel still sorting out disclosure

By Delon Shurtz Southern Alberta Newspapers on December 16, 2021.

A 26-year-old Medicine Hat woman charged with first-degree murder will remain in custody through Christmas while her lawyer waits to receive disclosure from the Crown’s office.

Melissa Lynn Martens-Lagasse appeared in court Wednesday by CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, where she has been remanded since her arrest last month.

Calgary lawyer John Oman told court he is still waiting for a substantial amount of disclosure, but in the meantime his client consents to her remand.

During a brief court appearance on Dec. 1, at which the accused was not required to attend because she was in quarantine at the jail, Oman said he had received only an initial amount of disclosure and needed an adjournment. He said afterward he will at some point arrange a bail application in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench.

Crown prosecutor Kristi Adams said she has not yet received disclosure from police, but her office has contacted RCMP major crimes to find out when the information will be provided.

Martens-Lagasse, who is also charged with causing an indignity to a human body, is accused of killing 34-year-old Megan Eekma of southern Alberta.

Police reported that on Nov. 19 the victim was travelling with another person to Alberta from British Columbia, and during the trip an “interaction” occurred 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 has been adjourned to Jan. 12.

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