Lawyers wait for disclosure in Tailfeathers homicide

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 24, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

The lawyers for five people accused in the death of a Fort Macleod man last year are still waiting to receive critical disclosure so they can move forward with their cases.

During a hearing Tuesday in Lethbridge provincial court, Crown Prosecutor Adam Zelmer noted the lawyers still need the medical examiners report, and although the Crown is regularly checking into the status of the report, it’s unknown when it will be available. Zelmer added the delay is preventing lawyers from determining whether they will require a preliminary hearing.

The matter was previously adjourned on Aug. 9, after Lethbridge lawyer Tracy Hembroff told court defence is unable to take a step without more information, even though the Crown had contacted the lawyers requesting they enter pleas on behalf of their clients.

“All counsel had replied with respect to needing more time, given that we are lacking some disclosure, still,” Hembroff said.

The five individuals are accused in the death of Lane Tailfeathers of Fort Macleod, who was reported missing on June 23, 2021. A month later Tailfeather’s remains were found in a remote area near Crowsnest Pass. RCMP investigators determined the 35-year-old man was killed in Fort Macleod between June 20 and 21 of last year.

Miranda Mae Turuk, Richard William Lavell and Randy Lee Giroux are charged with second-degree murder and interfering with a dead body. Michelle Lee Toth and Edward Alexander Goodrich are charged with accessory after the fact to murder and interfering with a dead body.

The accused’s next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 13.

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