Accused in care facility death may seek bail

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on July 14, 2023.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 51-year-old man accused of killing a resident at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, may seek his release from custody when he appears in court later this month.

Wesley Red Young Man, who is in remand custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is scheduled to have a bail hearing July 27 in Lethbridge court of justice. His matter was in court Thursday, where Lethbridge lawyer Cara Lebenzon said the accused’s lawyer is also waiting to receive an early case resolution proposal from the Crown prosecutor.

“Mr. Hadford and Mr. Red Young Man are in the process of trying to find a suitable bail plan for Mr. Red Young Man,” Lebenzon said.

Red Young Man 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.

“Hale’s body had previously been transported to the Alberta office of the chief medical examiner in Calgary, and following an autopsy, his death was deemed suspicious,” police said in a news release following the incident.

Police reported they believe Hale had been assaulted by another resident of St. Michael’s 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,” the news release stated, noting the accused was arrested at the care facility. He was remanded in custody shortly afterward, following a judicial interim release hearing.

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