By Colton Swiderski

Accused in La Loche shooting elects trial by judge and jury

Aug 29, 2016 | 2:55 PM

While a youth accused of killing four people at a La Loche high school has not entered a plea yet, it appears the case may head for trial after he elected to be tried by judge and jury.

The youth, who cannot be named due to provisions under the Youth Criminal Justice Act appeared in La Loche provincial court today, Aug. 29 via video.

The now 18-year-old was expected to enter his plea on several charges stemming from a shooting massacre in La Loche, but his lawyer told the court the election.

The youth is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

A plea is expected at the next court date on Oct. 28.

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The case is set to move to a Meadow Lake provincial courtroom with the accused to appear in person. The case will still be seen on video in La Loche.

On Jan. 22, a youth in La Loche allegedly shot and killed two brothers, Dayne and Drayden Fontaine in their home before moving to the Dene High School where teacher Adam Wood, and teaching assistant Marie Janvier were killed. Seven more were injured before the suspect was apprehended by police.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.