Mark Douglas Jonson was found dead in a home on 15 Ave. and 100 St. on July 5. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Homicide Investigation

Preliminary inquiry dates set for two accused in Jonson homicide

Nov 7, 2019 | 1:59 PM

Preliminary inquiry dates are set for both men accused in the death of Mark Douglas Jonson to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial.

Nicolas Buck, 22, and David Keller, 47, each face a first-degree murder charge in Jonson’s homicide. They appeared in Saskatchewan Provincial Court in North Battleford via closed-circuit television Thursday.

For Buck, Judge Murray Pelletier set seven days – Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, and 24 – for the preliminary inquiry for the first degree murder charge. A private case management date is set for Jan. 13.

Crown prosecutor Steven Larocque anticipated a lengthy preliminary hearing. He expected up to 35 witnesses, comprised of 16 non-RCMP officers and 19 RCMP officers.

Buck has entered an election for trial by judge and jury at Queen’s Bench court in Battleford.

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The court heard a previously requested bail supervision report could not be completed for Buck for his Thursday appearance due to issues trying to contact him for details.

For five separate charges Buck is facing, three were stayed and the remaining items will be spoken to at his next court appearance on Feb. 11.

For co-accused David Keller, Defence attorney Erin Little, appearing by phone, requested five days for a preliminary inquiry on the charge of first degree murder. The inquiry will run on March 30, 31, April 1, 2 and 6 at provincial court.

Larocque anticipated up to 33 witnesses comprised of 16 non-RCMP officers and 17 officers.

Keller’s private case management date is set for Feb. 6.

Keller’s bail request was denied following a hearing in September at Queen’s Bench. A publication ban was imposed on the details of the hearing.

Jonson, 61, was found dead in a home on 15 Ave. and 100 St. in North Battleford on July 5.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow