Second-degree murder case faces another adjournment
By Shurtz, Delon on July 10, 2020.
Delon Shurtz
lethbridge herald
The case against two men charged with second-degree murder earlier this year continues to be adjourned with little progress while lawyers wait to receive disclosure from the Crown’s office.
Justin Robert White Cow and Jason James Crane Chief appeared in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday, but after a brief discussion their matter was adjourned until Aug. 4.
Lethbridge lawyers Claudia Connolly and Ingrid Hess told court they are still waiting for disclosure, and Hess pointed out she is particularly interested in receiving a copy of the medical examiner’s report.
That report, however, may not be available for six to nine months, explained Crown Prosecutor Clayton Giles. He added he hopes to obtain a more specific timeline on its availability.
Hess said she also wants to have a preliminary hearing, but will first need to have a pre-trial conference. She hopes to have the PTC before the next court hearing in August.
White Cow, 33, and 27-year-old Jason James Crane Chief were charged with second-degree murder in May after police responded to a report of an injured man at an apartment building in the 1200 block of 4 Avenue South. Police and EMS found the body of a 43-year-old man inside one of the units. Crane Chief was arrested May 1, four days after police found the victim’s body. White Cow was arrested on May 5.
During the evening of April 26 the victim had been inside his apartment socializing with acquaintances when a fight broke out. When a friend arrived at the victim’s apartment the following day the man was unresponsive and his friend called for help.
Police confirmed a weapon was used during the fight and drugs were consumed at the social gathering.
The murder is the city’s second this year.
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