By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Further delays for second-degree murder trial

Dec 5, 2018 | 11:39 AM

The jury presiding over the second degree murder trial for Daniel Sawyer was hoping to get back to hearing evidence today in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench. Unfortunately, Justice Bill Hopkins told them that won’t be happening until next week.

Sawyer, 34, is charged in the Nov. 18, 2015 stabbing death of Alan Beach outside a north Red Deer pub.

The trial got underway Nov. 15 and has heard from a couple of witnesses. But the proceedings have been bogged down by several voir dire hearings – held to determine the admissibility of evidence – which are slated to continue through the rest of this week and into Monday.

Several members of the seven-woman, five-man became visibly disappointed when told it would be Tuesday before they hear more evidence. Hopkins thanked them for their patience as they await the completion of the voir dire hearings.

Crown prosecutor Ed Ring says the delays in the trial are “nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary.”

residential mill rate to hold steady

Penhold town council approves final tax rate increases

9h ago

tips to prevent fires

Sylvan Lake urges extra caution as dry conditions push fire risk higher

10h ago

Guest speaker Chad Reyes

Premier Danielle Smith addresses Red Deerians at Christian Mayor's Prayer Breakfast

15h ago

Hopkins said jury deliberations are likely to begin Dec. 18.