A youth facing charges connected to the violent assault of an 18-year-old woman near Long Island Lake, near Westlock, has been granted bail. The attack, which occurred in September 2024, left the female victim critically injured and has garnered national attention. Canada wide warrants had been issued for the accused who turned himself into authorities last week.
The accused, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, made his court appearance on January 22 via CCTV from a youth detention facility. Crown prosecutor Eric Mosley strongly opposed the release of the youth on all three grounds typically considered during bail hearings:
- Primary Grounds: The risk of the accused fleeing.
- Secondary Grounds: The likelihood of reoffending and the potential threat to public safety.
- Tertiary Grounds: Whether detention is necessary to maintain confidence in the justice system, typically reserved for more serious offences.
Despite the Crown’s arguments, Justice Gordon Putnam granted bail but under strict conditions. In addition, a publication ban prohibits the disclosure of details from the hearing or the details of the case.
The youth’s bail conditions include:
- A $5,000 cash deposit.
- Surrendering his passport to authorities.
- Remaining under 24-hour house arrest and direct supervision by his parents at their Edmonton residence.
- Abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
- Prohibition from possessing weapons.
- No contact with the victim or the three co-accused.
The youth, who voluntarily surrendered to Edmonton Police on January 16, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, robbery, uttering threats, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He is the fourth individual charged in the case, following the arrests of three other youths shortly after the incident.
Westlock RCMP allege that the four youths lured the victim to a remote wooded area in Westlock County, where they assaulted her and left her for dead. After the initial arrests in September, a Canada-wide warrant was issued in November for the youth who recently turned himself in.
From the get-go, investigators were able to identify the four suspects. The fourth suspect was hiding from police,” said RCMP Const. Cory Riggs
Two of the accused have pleaded not guilty and have opted for a trial by judge and jury at the Court of King’s Bench. A preliminary hearing date for their case is expected to be set soon. Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly underway for a potential plea agreement involving one of the accused.
The Crown is proceeding by indictment in all cases and has confirmed they intend to upon a conviction, sentence the offenders as adults.
Have something to say on this topic – visit its forum here.
