By Sheldon Spackman

Proposal on the table

Crown still considering resolution proposed for accused Walmart shooter

Sep 30, 2020 | 2:24 PM

A resolution proposal for the man accused of shooting and killing another man outside the Walmart in south Red Deer last December remains in the hands of the Crown.

Chase Freed, 19, stands charged with second-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder while using a firearm, failing to stop while being pursued by a police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and theft of a motor vehicle.

The charges stem from the shooting death of C.J. “Jim” Williams, who was 69, on the evening of Dec. 20, 2019.

Police said Williams and his wife had just left the store at about 6:45 p.m. when he was confronted in the parking lot by a masked man with a sawed-off firearm. Williams was shot during the altercation and later died in hospital.

RCMP allege the masked suspect fired shots at two other people while fleeing the scene in a vehicle being driven by a woman.

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Freed’s lawyer, Rory Ziv, told court Wednesday morning he has emailed with Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin but has yet to hear back regarding his proposal to have the case settled without a trial.

Freed remains in custody at the Edmonton Remand Centre with his case now scheduled to return to Red Deer provincial court Oct. 14.

Meantime, a preliminary hearing has been scheduled for the woman accused of being the accomplice in the murder.

A hearing will take place in Red Deer provincial court from May 12 – 13, 2021 to determine whether enough evidence is present for Crystal Lee Maurice to stand trial.

Maurice, 30, faces charges of accessory after the fact to murder, failing to stop while being pursued by a police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and theft of a motor vehicle.