PRAYERS FOR HUMBOLDT
Fatalities, injuries in collision involving Broncos team bus
Members of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team are shown in this picture posted to the club’s Twitter feed last month after a big playoff win over rival Melfort Mustangs. The team’s bus was in a horrific crash Friday with a semi in Saskatchewan.
More than 50 people gathered outside Okotoks Provincial Court braving frigid temperatures to show their support for Edouard Maurice and his family.
Inside the courtroom, Maurice’s defence lawyer requested an adjournment, citing the fact he’s received inadequate information to move forward with the trial.
“We have requested at least 20 more items — police notes, expert reports and so forth,” said Maurice’s lawyer Tonii Roulston outside the courthouse.
“The toll these allegations have taken on Eddie and (wife) Jessie have been overwhelming. These people are hard workers, these people are contributors to this community and these allegations with this family and their extended family have taken a major toll not only on them, but also on the community.
“It’s our intention to enter pleas of not guilty. We will set this matter for a judge and jury trial.”
Maurice is facing charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm in relation to a Feb. 24 incident on his rural property, when he found two suspected trespassers rummaging through vehicles on his property.
Ryan Watson was shot in the arm in the incident and taken to hospital where he was later discharged.
Watson is facing charges of trespassing at night, mischief to property, theft, drug and probation charges.
Stephanie Ann Martens, 30, of Okotoks was later arrested and faces charges of trespassing at night, theft and mischief.
Her first court appearance is set for April 20.
As Maurice and his family walked up to the courtroom, he stopped and shook the hands of his supporters who cheered him on with support.
Many in the community feel the charges Maurice face are unjust.
“He shouldn’t be facing criminal charges at all. We should have the right to protect ourselves, our property,” said Sandra Moore, who braved the cold carrying a sign saying “Eddy is a victim” on one side and “no more catch and release thieves” on the other.
“I’m in support of Eddy because he is the nicest young man I have ever met — he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, he is a family man and the salt of the earth. There has to be a better balance where we can defend ourselves.
Others beyond Moore brought signs as one. One said “drop all charges,” while another read “consequences for criminals, not for victims.”
“It’s kind of a joke I think because people can’t defend their property and RCMP can’t get a quick enough response to rural,” said Jeff Langford, who attended the rally.
He shouldn’t be facing criminal charges at all. We should have the right to protect ourselves, our property.
“If it’s the middle of the night, my dog barks, I’m going out with a gun. I don’t know if it’s a bear, I don’t know if it’s a cougar, I don’t know if it’s someone drugged up trying to steal my property or attack my family, so what are you going to do?
“I don’t think victimizing these people trying to defend their property, their home and their families, is the way to go.”
Maurice’s next appearance is set for April 20 at 9:30 a.m.