North Okanagan manslaughter case may hinge on police statements

VERNON – Legal arguments in a North Okanagan manslaughter case could determine whether the trial goes ahead or not.

Logan Scott, 31, is charged with one count of manslaughter in connection to the death of Armstrong mother Jillian McKinty, 27.

McKinty was found dead in her home on Wolfenden Terrace in Armstrong Nov. 27, 2013. Police said her death was suspicious in nature, and following an extensive investigation, laid charges against Scott in August of 2014. In addition to manslaughter, Scott faces one count of theft under $5,000.

Lawyers discussed the case in Vernon Supreme Court today, July 20, by teleconference with Judge Allan Betton, who set aside one week for legal arguments in advance of what is expected to be a two-week long trial. Scott has elected trial by judge alone.

Defence lawyer Glenn Verdurmen and Crown counsel Shirley Meldrum plan to make arguments on the admissibility of evidence, including police statements in voir dire — a hearing used to determine if the evidence in question can be used in the trial or not.

If the evidence is ruled inadmissible, the Crown will likely review its position on moving ahead with the case, Meldrum told Justice Betton.

Verdurmen also made clear his intentions to file a charter notice regarding his client’s rights being violated. He must file that notice by Aug. 26.

Betton has ordered five days be set aside for the legal arguments, and said the trial, if it goes ahead, would not be scheduled until at least three weeks after the voir dire.

Lawyers will reconvene Aug. 8 to set dates.

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