There were high emotions but no outbursts at the first court appearance for the accused La Loche shooter.
The 17-year-old boy was in Meadow Lake this afternoon. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
The Aboriginal teen wore an orange jumpsuit and was escorted into the prisoners box by two guards.
He sat quietly and looked down for most of the brief appearance.
The teen didn’t seem either highly emotional or emotionless. He responded to the judge’s questions, including pointing out that his mother was present.
The two educators and two brothers who died in Friday’s shooting have been named.
In court it came a shock for many that a publication ban was ordered for the names of the seven victims who survived – all of whom are still in hospital.
The judge said with that in mind, “privacy is of the the utmost importance.
But several media outlets want to challenge this ban.
There was no dispute that the youth should stay in custody as he waits for his next appearance on February 22.
The teen is also prohibited from contacting the seven injured people or their families in any way – whether by letter, phone call, or passing a message on through family.
These orders were repeated in Dene so that any of the teen’s family members understood.