LRT attack suspect appears in court

A 24-year-old man accused of attempted murder and other charges related to a stabbing at an LRT station and subsequent crime spree appeared briefly in court Thursday.

Mario Bigchild is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, two counts of robbery, escaping lawful custody, assaulting a peace officer and disarming a peace officer.

It’s alleged that Bigchild kicked off a crime spree early Monday by stabbing a 19-year-old man on the platform at the South Campus LRT Station. As bystanders rushed to the aid of the victim, the suspect fled and allegedly went on to rob a convenience store near 57 Avenue and 111 Street, then carjack a Cadillac from a woman.

When he was located by police, it’s alleged he got into an altercation with officers and initially got away before being taken into custody with the assistance of a police canine team.

On Tuesday, police said the 19-year-old stabbing victim remained in hospital.

Bigchild has no criminal record, and told provincial court Judge Susan Richardson on Wednesday that he has never been in custody before. He is being held on the health unit at the Edmonton Remand Centre, court heard.

Court heard that after his arrest, Bigchild tried to get released on bail at a hearing before a justice of the peace. He had no lawyer present at the hearing, and his bail was denied.

Bigchild appeared by video conferencing from the remand centre. He gave brief answers to Richardson’s questions. The judge asked if he wanted a lawyer.

“Uh, sure,” he replied.

The judge explained to him that he needs to call Legal Aid Alberta.