Adjournment in murder case

A murder case has been adjourned again while lawyers try to find a suitable date to resume a preliminary hearing that began last month.

The hearing for Tyler Brian Hogan was adjourned April 24 to allow time for the Crown and defence to receive medical evidence connected with the case. The matter was in Lethbridge provincial court Monday, but adjourned so both sides can find a date that is suitable to continue the hearing.

Another four days — three to hear evidence and one to provide closing arguments — are still needed for the preliminary hearing, which will determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. The case is being tried by Calgary Crown prosecutor and heard by a judge from another jurisdiction to avoid any conflict of interest or perceived prejudice since the accused is the son of a retired Lethbridge provincial court judge.

A court-ordered ban prohibits the publication of any evidence presented during the preliminary hearing.

Hogan is accused of killing nine-month-old Austin Lucas Wright, who died from blunt force trauma April 28, 2016.

Lethbridge EMS went to a residence in the 600 block of 17 Street North after receiving a report that a baby boy was in medical distress. The baby was not breathing and in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived, and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police allege the baby’s mother had left her boyfriend to care for the baby while she was at work. The child began crying and was assaulted.

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