Trial delayed again for farmer charged with shooting trespasser
A rural homeowner charged with shooting a trespasser on his property has had his trial delayed again.
Edouard Maurice appeared in Okotoks court briefly Friday morning for the fifth time only to hear his case has been put over until June 22.
This will allow the Crown to assess their position moving forward and provide an update on an anticipated ballistics report from the RCMP that is expected to take eight to 12 months to prepare.
“That report, in our view, from the defence perspective and it might be from the Crown perspective, is integral to this case and these allegations against Eddie,” said Tonii Roulston, Maurice’s lawyer.
“I’m hoping that when we come back we have some sort of information whereby there may be some closure.”
If a trial is set, said Roulston, it would be potentially eight to 12 months from now, after obtaining the ballistics report.
Maurice is facing firearm charges after allegedly shooting a trespasser on his property in February.
Ryan Watson was shot in the arm in the incident. He has been charged with trespassing at night, mischief to property, theft, drug and probation charges.
Stephanie Ann Martens was also arrested and faces charges of trespassing at night, theft and mischief.
Approximately 50 people came to the courthouse Friday morning in support of Maurice.
Roy Ellithorpe came all the way from Red Deer to show his support for Maurice and said it was his first time at any type of protest event.
“There are not many things that are important to me any more, but this is one,” said Ellithorpe.
“The criminals get a slap on the wrist and away they go. The people that are just trying to run their lives, work, pay taxes and support these guys are spending their days going to court and sometimes going to jail. And that’s not right and we need it fixed. I just don’t know how to do it other than show my support to Eddie Maurice here.”
A change.org petition is also making rounds on social media to get the minister of justice and the Calgary Rural Regional Crown Prosecutors Office to drop all charges against Maurice.
The petition, which began a week ago and has gained traction over the last 24 hours, currently has more than 1,000 signatures.
In his decision to adjourn until June 22, the judge said he expects progress to be made on Maurice’s case.
“(Maurice) has a right to a trial in a timely manner,” said Roulston.