Hostage case back in court next month

The case against Courtney Louise Shaw was in Lethbridge court of justice Thursday where an agent for the accused’s lawyer requested another adjournment to take the next step.

Lethbridge lawyer Justin Dean appeared as agent for Marcus Mueller.

“I am seeking an adjournment on behalf of Mr. Mueller to June 8 where a step will be taken,” said Dean.

Shaw, who remains in custody at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, appeared in court via CCTV.

Shaw is charged with attempted murder, along with numerous additional offences, including aggravated assault, taking a hostage, and multiple counts of pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, unlawful confinement, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and assault with a weapon.

The charges against the 40-year-old accused stem from an incident on July 14 last year when, according to police, a woman entered Lethbridge Legal Guidance in the 400 block of 5 Street South where four employees were working, and asked to speak to a specific lawyer.

After being told the lawyer wasn’t available, the suspect asked to use a washroom and 10 minutes later returned and pointed a black handgun at two employees and threatened to kill them. One staffer grabbed a phone and hid under her desk to call 911.

Police said the woman also had a knife and threatened to kill the employees if they tried to leave and didn’t get the lawyer on the phone. She then forced a 54-year-old woman into an office and closed the door, allowing the other employees to escape. The hostage, however, was stabbed numerous times and required surgery. Police seized a knife and an airsoft handgun at the scene.

-with files from Delon Shurtz