Local woman facing murder charge due back in court Aug. 8

By Southern Alberta Newspapers on July 12, 2022.

A 27-year-old Medicine Hat woman charged with murder – and recently denied bail while her matters went through court – will be back in court next month.

Calgary lawyer John Oman appeared Monday in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench for Melissa Martens-Lagasse, charged with first-degree murder and causing an indignity to a human body, after the Crown suggested last month defence should be prepared to take a step on the next court appearance, but it was adjourned to Aug. 8, 2022.

Martens-Legasse 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.

While she is in custody awaiting trial, Martens-Lagasse is prohibited from contacting or communicating with her mother.

The accused, who 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.

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