HALIFAX – The case against the man charged with the murder of Catherine Campbell has been adjourned for nearly two months to allow more time for disclosure.
Christopher Calvin Garnier, 27, is accused of the second degree murder of Catherine Campbell. He is also facing a charge of indecently interfering with a dead body in connection with Campbell’s death.
Joel Pink, Garnier’s lawyer, notified the court Wednesday that the defense was only given partial evidence disclosure, and need more evidence and information before they can make a decision whether or not there will be a preliminary inquiry in the matter.
“There’s a lot of forensic stuff that has yet to come,” said Pink.
“We don’t have the autopsy report or anything like that at this stage, so we don’t know very much about what allegedly happened.”
“In an investigation like this there is always a wide range of information, from videos that are seized, to witnesses being interviewed to forensic tests that need to be conducted, a lot of that takes time,” said Paul Carver, Crown Attorney.
Police say although charges have been laid in the murder of Catherine Campbell, the investigation is still ongoing. “We’re in the final stages of our investigation, which includes preparing disclosure for the crown,” said Theresa Rath with Halifax Regional Police.
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Garnier was arrested during a traffic stop on September 16, only a few hours after Campbell’s body was found in a wooded area near the overpass to the Macdonald Bridge.
Police have said they believe the pair met in downtown Halifax on September 11, but have not elaborated on whether or not they knew each other before the night of the murder. Campbell, an off-duty officer with the Truro Police Force, was reported missing after she failed to show up for work two days before her body was found.
Investigators had put out a public plea earlier this month for anyone who may have seen Garnier pushing a green bin through downtown Halifax, and say the assistance has been helpful when building their case.
“In relation to our plea for public assistance, we actually received solid information in relation to a man pushing a green bin. We’re very appreciative of that public assistance,” said Rath.
Police continue to ask anyone who may have information on the case, but hasn’t come forward yet, to please do so.
Garnier has been remanded to the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Dartmouth since his arrest.
Pink says his client is “in a state of shock about this whole situation,” and confirms they have not made a decision on whether or not Garnier will apply for bail.
If he does decide to apply for bail, an application must be made to the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.
Christopher Garnier is scheduled to appear in Halifax Provincial Court again on December 18. At that time, it’s hoped the disclosure will be made availible and dates for a preliminary hearing will be set. A trial likely won’t take place for some time.
“A trial is often a long way off at the start of one of these matters,” Carver said “You’re looking at a lengthy time before a matter will get to trial.”
Catherine Campbell’s family was in court for Wednesday’s brief appearance but did not speak to media.
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