A Sault Ste. Marie man charged with two counts of attempted murder after a Feb. 6, 2023 double shooting has elected for a trial by judge.
The accused, now 40 years of age and currently incarcerated awaiting trial, cannot be identified because of a publication ban. In addition to two counts of attempted murder, he is also facing a number of other charges, including numerous weapons offences.
On Thursday, defence attorney Jessica Belisle applied for an eventual trial by judge, waiving the accused's right to a trial by jury for the 24 counts of the indictment.
Although a date for trial has yet to be set, a two-week preliminary inquiry was held in April.
On Feb. 6, 2023, parts of the 1500-block of Wellington Street East were taped off by police for more than 24 hours after the double shooting. Officers with the forensics unit photographed the scene, with blood still visible in the snowbank at the scene at the time.
Sault Police said in a news release that the accused was observed outside the residence carrying a shotgun when officers made their arrival at the scene. Upon being ordered to drop the weapon, the accused did so and was taken into custody, said Sault Police in the release.
One person was found inside the residence, while another was found outside. Both had gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital with serious injuries.
Sault Police said the accused and the victims were known to each other, and did not release the names of the victims or accused in the matter.
When the accused was before bail court in February of 2023, duty council requested a publication ban on the matter, which was granted by Justice of the Peace Kyle Cachagee. That ban prohibits the publication of any evidence heard in court, including the name of the accused and victims. Cachagee said he granted the ban to protect the identity of the victims, as well as protecting the integrity of the police investigation.