(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard and Sheldon Spackman

UPDATE

Man accused of killing Red Deer doctor pleads not guilty

Dec 7, 2020 | 11:09 AM

The man charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of a Red Deer family physician this summer has pleaded not guilty.

Deng Mabiour also pleaded not guilty to assault with a weapon and assault of a police officer when he appeared in a Red Deer courtroom Monday morning via phone link from the Calgary Remand Centre, where he remains in custody.

The 54-year-old stands accused in the slaying of Dr. Walter Reynolds at the Village Mall Walk-In Clinic in Red Deer on August 10.

One witness told rdnewsNOW she was in the waiting room when she heard cries for help and saw a man with a hammer and a machete.

Last month, a psychiatrist found Mabiour fit to stand trial, despite his unusual behaviour during his court appearances.

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Trial dates for Mabiour have not yet been scheduled. The case is due back in court for arraignment on February 1, 2021.

It was anticipated that trial dates would be set for Mabiour on Monday. However, he is still without a lawyer.

“It would be in your best interest to be represented by a lawyer,” advised Justice John W. Hopkins.

Despite this, Mabiour remained steadfast in his plan to represent himself.

“No lawyer work for me here in Canada,” he said. “There is no lawyer good for me.”

Chief Crown prosecutor Dominique Mathurin anticipates a four-week trial will be needed.

Mabiour has elected for a trial by judge and jury.