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Preliminary hearing begins for man accused of Lethbridge triple homicide

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Lethbridge triple homicide preliminary hearing begins
WATCH ABOVE: The preliminary hearing began Monday for a man charged with three counts of second-degree murder in relation to Lethbridge’s first triple homicide back in April of 2015. Global’s Erik Mikkelsen reports – Jun 6, 2016

It was a packed courtroom Monday as the preliminary hearing began for a 21-year-old man charged with three counts of second-degree murder. The April 2015 tragedy was Lethbridge’s first triple homicide.

All details are under a publication ban in the preliminary trial, but here’s a look back on the case.

In the early morning hours of April 28, 2015 officers were called to a home on McGill Boulevard W. by a concerned neighbour. When they arrived, police found one woman and two men dead inside the home.

WATCH: Lethbridge triple homicide victims were stabbed

The victims were identified as 27-year-old Kyle Devine, his girlfriend, 24-year-old Clarissa English and her brother, 18-year-old Dakota English. An autopsy confirmed that all three had died from multiple stab wounds.

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Almost two weeks later, police arrested Austin Vielle and he was charged with three counts of second-degree murder.

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Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of the 2015 Lethbridge triple murder

Investigators say Vielle was an acquaintance of the victims and had spent time with them leading up to their deaths.

Previous to the murders, Vielle had been charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats in connection to a physical altercation with Kyle Devine. He was released with the condition he wouldn’t have contact with Devine.

WATCH: Family wants answers in Lethbridge triple homicide

The families of the victims didn’t believe Vielle to be a suspect, and even made him a honorary pallbearer at Devine’s funeral.

The preliminary trial is scheduled to last until Tuesday, June 14.

The Crown prosecutor confirmed to Global News that Vielle’s defence lawyer has agreed for him to stand trial, however the preliminary trial will continue to give both the Crown and defence the chance to see the other’s evidence.

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