Preliminary hearing in triple-murder trial
Triple-murder suspect Dustin Duthie sat quietly sobbing in the prisoner’s box Monday as the Crown began calling evidence against him at his preliminary hearing.
Dressed in Calgary Remand Centre standard blue overalls, Duthie stared down toward the floor and wiped away tears as prosecutor Shane Parker questioned the first of an estimated 32 witnesses expected to testify during the twoweek inquiry.
At defence lawyer Ray Dieno’s request, provincial court Judge Sean Dunnigan imposed a publication ban on the evidence being called to determine whether Duthie will be ordered to stand trial on three counts of second-degree murder.
Duthie is charged in the killing of his girlfriend, Taylor Toller, and his parents in two separate incidents in July 2018.
It is alleged that Toller was slain July 25, 2018, while it’s believed Duthie’s mother Shawn Boshuck, and stepfather Alan Pennylegion, were killed six days later.
All three victims’ bodies were discovered on July 31, 2018, at two separate locations.
Toller’s body was found in a residence in the 2000 block of Applevillage Court S.E., while Boshuck and Pennylegion were discovered in their home in the 10100 block of Hidden Valley Drive N.W. An earlier psychiatric assessment of Duthie found him fit to stand trial.
The purpose of the preliminary inquiry is for Dunnigan to determine if there is some evidence with which a jury could find the accused guilty.
Parker told Dunnigan he expects submissions on whether Duthie should be committed to stand trial will be made on Jan. 17.
Duthie remains in custody pending a resolution to the case.