Murder suspect expected to take next step in proceedings

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 10, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 27-year-old woman accused of killing an older woman late last year made a brief appearance Monday in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench.

Melissa Martens-Lagasse, who appeared in court by CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is charged with first-degree murder and causing an indignity to a human body in relation to the death of 34-year-old Megan Eekma of southern Alberta.

Calgary lawyer John Oman requested a lengthier-than-normal adjournment, but pointed out his client will likely be ready to take a step when she returns to court Sept. 26. Martens-Lagasse previously chose to be tried by Queen’s Bench judge and jury, without a preliminary hearing.

On Nov. 19, 2021 Eekma was travelling with another person to Alberta from British Columbia, and was killed near Pincher Creek. 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 accused was detained in remand custody following a bail hearing in June in Court of Queen’s Bench, during which defence 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.

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