Accused in care centre death to be tried by judge alone
By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 25, 2023.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com A 51-year-old man accused of killing a resident at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge has chosen to be tried by a judge alone in Court of King’s Bench, and have a preliminary hearing.The lawyer for Wesley Red Young Man made the election to King’s Bench Thursday in Lethbridge court of justice, and pointed out the preliminary hearing is expected to take at least two days, and possibly more.
The Crown agreed the hearing will require several days, and Justice Eric Brooks pointed out defence has indicated it could have 30 witnesses.
The matter has been adjourned to Sept. 22 to allow time to schedule a pre-preliminary conference to discuss issues, determine how much time will be required to run the hearing and set dates.
Red Young Man, who is in remand custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault stemming from an investigation which began Jan. 6 after police were notified of the death of 78-year-old Kenneth Hale at the St. Michael’s Health Centre in the 1400 block of 9 Avenue South.
Police reported they believe Hale had been assaulted by another resident of the health centre on Dec. 26, 2022, then died of his injuries on Jan. 3.
“The victim and subject were known to one another and resided in the same unit,” a police news release stated, noting the accused was arrested at the care facility.
The matter was last in court on Aug. 9, when defence requested an adjournment to finalize a bail plan. The matter was adjourned on July 27 for the same purpose, but nothing was said about bail during Thursday’s hearing. Follow @DShurtzHerald on Twitter 4
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