Murder suspect still without a lawyer

The Calgary teen charged with murder in the traffic-stop-related death of a city police officer on New Year's Eve is still looking for a new lawyer.

Duty counsel Vignesh Pillai appeared in youth court Tuesday on behalf of the accused to ask that the case be delayed three weeks while he attempts to get a lawyer appointed by Legal Aid.

Pillai told youth court Judge Todd Larochelle the teen has been having difficulty getting phone access at the Calgary Young Offenders Centre and his mother hasn't been able to assist because she has limited English.

The accused, now 18, was still a minor on Dec. 31 when he is accused of fleeing a traffic stop in the city's northeast, dragging Sgt. Andrew Harnett with his vehicle.

Because he was days shy of adulthood at the time, the accused, who faces a charge of first-degree murder, can't be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Crown prosecutor Naina Singh told Larochelle she was concerned about the length of the adjournment Pillai was seeking, considering the case was delayed for the same reason last month.

“The Crown is anxious to move this matter along,” she said.

Singh said disclosure is ready and available for whenever a lawyer comes on board. The prosecution has already given notice of an intention to seek an adult sentence if the youth is convicted.

In January, Judge Steve Lipton denied a bail application by the accused, as well as a bid to have him released to a responsible adult, something the YCJA permits.

The case returns to court March 23.