Teen facing murder charge makes tele-bail appearance with mother at his side
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Updated: February 09, 2010 1:46 PM
The Saanich teen who faces a second-degree murder charge after stabbing his dad last Thursday appeared in court via tele-bail Tuesday morning with his mother by his side.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was quiet and calm as his lawyer, Dale Marshall, requested an adjournment until Friday so he could meet with the teen.
Marshall also said there's a possibility that orders will be requested Friday to determine the teen's fitness to stand trial and his mental state at the time of the offense. A psychiatric assessment could be part of that process.
The boy, who suffers mental health issues, was arrested late Thursday night after stabbing his father.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority said the family was at Royal Jubilee Hospital earlier in the evening. VIHA spokesperson Shannon Marshall said the teen was seen by an emergency room physician and referred to the Archie Courtnall Centre to undergo a psychiatric assessment, but he never showed up.
Police responded to a call about a stabbing at the family home a short time after leaving the hospital.
