Two suspects in Gatzke homicide heading to trial
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Twitter
- Copy Link
Two of the suspects facing charges connected to the death of Ryan John Gatzke in Battleford in 2019 will now be heading to trial at Queen’s Bench Court in Battleford, with the dates still to be set.
Isaac Melko, of North Battleford, is charged with second-degree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, possession of a firearm without a licence, and unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Following a preliminary hearing at North Battleford provincial court that concluded Nov. 9, the court determined there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Melko will stand trial at Queen’s Bench in Battleford, with a date still to be scheduled. He was scheduled for a private pre-trial meeting on Nov. 19.
Jacob Joseph Ballantyne, of Edam, is charged with second-degree murder, break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, disguise with intent, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, pointing a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a restricted firearm while prohibited. Ballantyne consented to committal to stand trial at Queen’s Bench in Battleford, with a date still to be set. He was scheduled for a pre-trial meeting at Queen’s Bench Court Nov. 19.
Also facing charges, Charles Michael Lewis McLean, of North Battleford, is charged with manslaughter, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence. In May, he elected trial by judge alone at Queen’s Bench Court in Battleford. McLean was scheduled for a private pre-trial conference at Queen’s Bench Court in Battleford on Nov. 19.
