Alberta family fed up with court delays in double murder case

EDMONTON – A northern Alberta family is frustrated and speaking out about what they consider to be serious delays in the administration of justice.

The case dates back to December 2010, near the small northern Alberta community Falher. That’s when Edward Chomiak was charged with two counts of first degree murder in connection with the deaths of 45-year-old Melody Lee Perry, and her 20 year-old daughter Jerica Bouchard.

The victims’ family has been waiting more than three years for the double murder case to go to trial.

Upwards of 20 family members made their way to Peace River on Monday, expecting the long-awaited trial to finally start. Instead, the Defence asked for a psychiatric evaluation, delaying the matter again.

“You get your mental all built up for it, so you can hold it in. Then it’s like a kick in the guts, kick in the head. Like you’re a nobody,” said Wayne Perry.

“We were up at 4:30 in the morning to drive the three hours to Peace River. We were there an hour, then nothing.”

“Now, we go back home and we wait,” added Brenda Pearson. “Waiting to take more time off from work. We took a week’s holiday for this ’cause we were told this was going to be it.”

The accused has been through several lawyers since being charged.

The issue is a complex one, since the Charter calls for an accused to have the right to a fair trial within a reasonable amount of time to ensure the proper administration of justice. That usually means there’s pressure on the Crown and the system, in general, to proceed to trial. However, the accused also has the right to change council as he feels.

The Alberta Justice office sent the following statement to Global News in regards to the situation:

“We understand this is stressful for the family of the victims and they have our sympathies. The Crown is doing what it can to ensure this matter reaches trial as expeditiously as possible – unfortunately there have been several adjournments requested by the accused. As this matter is before the courts, we cannot comment further at this time.”

When it comes to communication from the Crown, the family also claims it’s lacking.

“They have not spoken to us, given us any communication about what’s going on or what to expect,” said Pearson, who works in Victims Services in Prince George, B.C. and has a general understanding of how the justice system works.

The accused remains in custody. The next court date is scheduled for April 25 in Peace River.

Closure still remains a long way off, though, for the victims’ family.

“I just can’t take it anymore,” said Perry. “Like, enough’s enough.”

With files from Vinesh Pratap, Global News