Murder suspect to be tried by judge and jury

By Jensen, Randy on August 7, 2020.

Herald photo by Ian Martens

Lethbridge Herald

A man charged with second-degree murder has elected for trial by judge and jury.

Justin Robert White Cow made his election in Lethbridge provincial court on Tuesday after weeks of delays as he and fellow accused, Jason James Crane Chief, continue to await disclosure of evidence from the Crown, particularly the medical examiner’s report, on the alleged homicide.

Crane Chief had his case adjourned in his own court appearance on Tuesday. Both men will return to court on Sept. 1 to set a date for trial.

White Cow, 33, and 27-year-old 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 was the city’s second this year.

-With files from Delon Shurtz

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