(file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

RCMP investigation

Cases for four accused in the Gatzke homicide investigation adjourned while awaiting disclosure

Jul 28, 2020 | 2:14 PM

Four accused facing charges connected to the death of Ryan John Gatzke last year had their matters adjourned while awaiting disclosure.

RCMP reported Gatzke was located with serious injuries in a home on the 100 block of 26 St. W. in Battleford on Oct. 18, 2019. He was later declared deceased after being transported to hospital.

Jacob Joseph Ballantyne, 25, 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.

Isaac Melko, 22, 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.

Charles Michael Lewis McLean, 23, 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.

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An 18-year-old male North Battleford resident was 17 years old at the time of incident and cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He 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, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle and possession of a restricted firearm while prohibited.

The appearance for the four accused was waived at North Battleford Provincial Court Tuesday.

All four remain in custody with their matters adjourned to Aug. 27 at 11 a.m.

The court heard the defence and the individuals accused are still waiting to receive Crown disclosure.

When speaking to the court about the Melko’s matter in particular the defence counsel said for the record the time delay awaiting the disclosure from the Crown is a concern.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW