Preliminary hearing coming up for one of suspects in Gatzke homicide case
The case for one of the suspects related to the death of Ryan John Gatzke in Battleford in 2019 is set for a preliminary inquiry next month.
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.
Ballantyne’s case was originally scheduled for a preliminary hearing to start Oct. 18. The hearing has now instead been set for Nov. 1 to 4, 2021 in North Battleford court.
Among the other accused, 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. His preliminary hearing which started in September was adjourned on Oct. 6. The hearing will continue on Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m in courtroom #2 at North Battleford court.