KAMLOOPS, B.C. – A man accused of leaving an 18-year-old high school student clinging to life in hospital after a beating with a baseball bat said little during a court appearance in Kamloops, B.C.
Kristopher Teichrieb, 39, is charged with attempted murder in the assault of Jessie Simpson, who is in “grave condition,” his aunt said.
Teichrieb was arrested a short time after an attack on June 19 and has remained in custody.
He appeared by video Monday in provincial court wearing a red jail-issue sweatshirt and had a wooden cross hanging from his neck.
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Outside court, a half dozen supporters of the Simpson family rallied with signs and chanted “No bail” and “Justice for Jessie” as drivers honked their horns.
In court, defence lawyer Jeremy Jensen hinted that Teichrieb’s charge could be upgraded to murder if Simpson’s condition changes. He asked that a potential bail hearing be delayed.
Teichrieb’s only words in court were “Thank you” when a justice of the peace told him he would have another court appearance next week.
Teichrieb was arrested just after 5 a.m. on Father’s Day after police were called to a reported altercation on a street near his home.
Simpson’s friends and family have said in social media posts that he was in Kamloops for a grad party and was trying to find a pal’s house when an altercation took place.
They have also said he was beaten with a baseball bat after Teichrieb confronted him. Police initially said Teichrieb had confronted someone in his driveway.
At a candlelight vigil on Sunday, Simpson’s aunt Marie Lewis of Dawson Creek said he remains in a coma on life support.
“He is not in good condition,” she said. “Nothing has changed. We can only keep hoping and praying.”
Teichrieb has three children and is the owner of at least two construction firms. He is due back in court on July 4. (Kamloops This Week)