CALGARY- The man accused in Calgary’s worst mass murder made a court appearance on Thursday.
Matthew de Grood appeared via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre, to face five counts of first-degree murder following a horrific stabbing back in April.
Zackariah Rathwell, 21, Jordan Segura, 22, Josh Hunter, 23, Kaitlin Perras, 23, and Lawrence Hong, 27, were celebrating the end of the school year when they were killed.
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De Grood’s defence team has requested an extension for his mental health review, so the doctor has more time to compile his findings. The report will be presented to court, and includes a psychiatric assessment as well as interviews with de Grood and his parents.
“His parents are doing as well one would imagine under the circumstances,” says lawyer Allan Fay. “They have been up to Edmonton a number of times, so they’re appreciative of that opportunity.”
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The report will be used to determine whether de Grood can be found criminally responsible for the five young adult’s deaths.
“It’s important to know that this report is opinion evidence from one witness,” says prosecutor Neil Wiberg. “At the end of the day, the judge or jury has the final say in determining issues such as this.”
De Grood will be transferred back to Calgary on September 19, and the report is scheduled to be released on September 26.
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