Trial of Kentville man facing attempted murder charges could take two weeks

The trial of a Kentville man facing several attempted murder and aggravated assault charges is scheduled to unfold over two weeks in May.

Paul Eldon Lake, 54, was present in Kentville court via videoconference on Jan. 15. A pre-trial conference was held with voir dire applications being scheduled for April 20. Legal counsel indicated the trial could take up to two weeks to complete.

Lake’s preliminary inquiry was held Nov. 7, with a publication ban imposed on evidence. Lake was committed to stand trial on all charges. He has elected Supreme Court judge and jury.

At a Dec. 2 hearing, trial dates were set for May 4-13, 2015. Lake didn’t enter any pleas, although he did confirm he is still requesting Supreme Court trial by judge and jury.

Lake faces three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace. Lake was charged after three people were stabbed overnight June 20 in downtown Kentville. He has been remanded in custody since that time.

There were two calls to 911 from the area of Prospect Road and Main Street reporting the stabbings on June 20 at around 1 a.m. Police allege that Lake injured three people: two men, age 24 and 26, and a 36-year-old woman. According to court records, the stabbing victims include Timothy Lee Lake, Nathaniel Theriault and Sherry Renouf. The accused was in a domestic relationship with Renouf.

Lake is also charged with assaulting a deputy sheriff engaged in the execution of his duty. This charge stems from an incident alleged to have occurred in Kentville on June 20.

Lake appeared in Kentville provincial court on this charge on Sept. 15. He pleaded not guilty and the matter was adjourned to April 1, 2015 for trial.