The case of the alleged La Loche mass shooter made major progress in Meadow Lake Provincial Court on Monday.
A teen, who was 17 at the time of the January 22 mass shooting in La Loche, has been in youth custody since he was arrested and charged with seven counts of attempted murder and four counts of first-degree murder.
The teen’s defence lawyer, Aaron Fox, was present by phone when he elected trial by provincial court judge.
This means if the case goes to trial, it will be heard in provincial court rather than the Court of Queen’s Bench.
The teen’s name is protected by the Criminal Youth Justice Act, and he appeared by video for Monday’s court date. La Loche’s courtroom was also hooked up by video.
MBC contacted Fox by phone after the appearance, and Fox confirmed that it’s expected his client will appear in person and enter his pleas in almost exactly two months.
He declined to comment on his client’s state in the months since his arrest.