A preliminary hearing for the man accused in the brutal beating of a Surrey hockey mom is set to begin today.
Fifty-three-year-old Julie Paskall was attacked in an apparent robbery near the Newton Recreation Centre on Dec.29, 2013.
Her injuries were so severe the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called in immediately. Paskall died in hospital on New Year’s Eve.
In May, police arrested and charged 27-year-old Yosef Jomo Gopaul with second-degree murder in Paskall’s death.
Gopaul has a criminal record outside of B.C. He did prison time in Ontario for aggravated assault. The National Parole Board’s decision on Gopaul details a history of violence, including a problem with substance abuse.
Police say Gopaul moved to B.C. eight weeks before Paskall’s death.
He already made two court appearances in connection with the case.
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Paskall’s murder caused a stir in the community with residents calling for more police officers to patrol the neighbourhood.
New Surrey mayor Linda Hepner said her first job as mayor was to introduce a budget to ensure funding for 100 police officers on the ground. Her overall commitment is 147.
Paskall left behind a 16-year-old son, two adult daughters and husband Al.
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