Manslaughter case back to court next month

By Lethbridge Herald on September 27, 2023.

Delon Shurtz
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
dshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 51-year-old man accused of killing a resident at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge could set a date for a preliminary inquiry when his matter returns to court next month.
During a brief hearing Friday in Lethbridge court of justice, Lethbridge lawyer Cara Lebenzon said a pre-trial conference, to discuss issues and determine how much time will be required to run the preliminary inquiry, has been scheduled for Oct. 16. The matter will then return to docket court Oct. 18 to confirm dates for the preliminary inquiry.
A preliminary inquiry is typically held to determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.
Red Young Man, who is in remand custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre and was not required to attend court Friday, is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault stemming from 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.
Defence elected on Aug. 24 to have the accused tried by a judge without a jury in Court of King’s Bench, and with a preliminary inquiry, which defence estimates will take at least two days, and likely more.
During the hearing last month, the Crown agreed the preliminary inquiry will require several days, and Justice Eric Brooks pointed out defence may have as many as 30 witnesses.
During brief court hearings on July 27 and Aug. 9, defence had requested adjournments to finalize a bail plan for the accused; however, nothing has been said about bail since.