Manslaughter suspect to remain in jail as bail hearing adjourned

Calgary’s first homicide suspect of 2020 will remain behind bars at least another month after his lawyer on Wednesday asked that his bid for bail be adjourned mid-application.

Defence counsel Shaun Leochko asked provincial court Judge Ken Mcleod to delay Dwayne Bearspaw’s application at the morning conclusion of what was scheduled for a full-day hearing.

A publication ban on the proceedings, requested by Leochko, prohibits divulging the reasons behind the request for an adjournment.

Leochko wants Mcleod to release Bearspaw on bail pending trial in connection with a New Year’s Eve incident at Alpha House that resulted in a Calgary man dying of his injuries the following day.

Crown prosecutor Ryan Jenkins is opposed to Bearspaw’s release.

The accused, 28, is charged with manslaughter in connection with the Jan. 1 death of Barry Cecil Currie, 30.

Police said Currie was involved in an altercation at Alpha House on 15th Avenue S.E. on New Year’s Eve.

Staff called police to report the assault but cancelled the call shortly after at the request of the victim.

Kathy Christiansen, executive director of the non-profit homeless shelter, said Currie was assessed by EMS following the incident before staying at Alpha House that night.

Staff believed he was OK. On New Year’s Day, Currie was found in medical distress and was taken to hospital but later died.

An autopsy confirmed his death was the result of injuries sustained during the assault.

Bearspaw was arrested and charged with manslaughter three weeks later. His bail hearing resumes Aug. 14.