Veitch murder case involves ‘complex medical issues,’ lawyer says
Court waiting for mental-health assessment report before entry of pleas
Making his first appearance in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court, 19-year-old Graham Veitch sat quietly in the dock with his head down Wednesday morning, much like he has done during recent appearances before a provincial court judge.
“Good morning, Mr. Veitch. How are you?” asked Justice William Goodridge, who was overseeing arraignments.
“Good morning,” Veitch said slowly, after a pause.
Veitch was set to be arraigned on charges of first-degree murder, assault, assaulting a police officer, theft of a vehicle and failing to stop for police, though there were indications beforehand that the arraignment wouldn’t happen. In custody for almost 11 months, Veitch’s appearance and demeanour has changed dramatically, and he has appeared unwell during recent court proceedings, moving slowly and showing no facial expression.
“This matter involves some complex medical issues,” his lawyer, Mark Gruchy, told the court.
There are signs that defence and Crown lawyers have come to an agreement in Veitch’s case, and he is expected to plead not criminally responsible to the charges.
Veitch was deemed fit to stand trial after a psychiatric evaluation last January, but Gruchy told the court Wednesday he is waiting for a report on a recent mental-health assessment before the case can proceed. He asked to have it set over until the next arraignment day, Dec. 1.
“We’re very hopeful we’ll have the report by then,” Gruchy said.
Veitch is often held in administrative segregation at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary because of his mental-health issues. Gruchy has noted to reporters in the past he believes the correctional system isn’t equipped to deal with such issues.
Police and paramedics were called to a home on Cadigan’s Road in Logy Bay-middle Coveouter Cove around 7 p.m. last Dec. 18, where they found David Collins, 55, gravely injured. He was taken to hospital, but died of his injuries.
Police say Veitch killed Collins and assaulted his own mother with a hammer before stealing Collins’ vehicle and leaving. RNC officers found him four hours later, and they say he rammed a police cruiser while trying to escape. He is alleged to have struck a second vehicle while attempting to drive around the first.
Veitch’s mother was not injured.
Collins was in a relationship with Veitch’s mother and they lived together in the house where the attack is alleged to have happened.