Raymond Beaver murder suspect transferred out of EMDC after alleged beating

One of the men accused of first-degree murder in the death of Raymond Beaver has been transferred out of the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre.

Peter Townsend, 20, made a brief court appearance by video link in a London courtroom Wednesday from Stratford Jail. His defence lawyer, Gord Cudmore, said “kudos” to Corrections Canada for answering the request for a transfer he made last week, after his client appeared with two black eyes.

“He was assaulted. We don’t know why or by whom, but he was obviously in some kind of difficulties there.”

Cudmore notes that Stratford has a smaller jail, with less of an issue with overcrowding.

“I just think it’s a safer facility,” he said.

Charges of break and enter and assault with a weapon were dropped against Townsend, 18-year-old Nicholas George, 34-year-old Melissa George. All three each appeared individually on a screen in a London courtroom today, linked by video from the institutions where they’re being held in custody.

Their cases have all been put over as their individual lawyers go through the judicial process, which includes speaking with the judge and crown attorneys, and receiving and reviewing disclosure.

Cudmore was unable to say how long it’ll be before a preliminary hearing begins, but anticipates it’ll take a number of months.

Daniel Cavanagh, 32, is also charged with first-degree murder. Cavanagh wasn’t scheduled to appear in court with his co-accused on Wednesday, but charges of break and enter and assault against him were also dropped.

Two male youths were also charged with break and enter, and 38-year-old Lisa Sager is charged with break and enter and assault with a weapon.

Police responded around 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 to a home on Lansdowne Avenue between Nelson Street and Trafalgar Street in the city’s east end to what Beaver’s family call a “home invasion.”

Beaver was taken to hospital with stab wounds, were he was pronounced dead. His 47-year-old uncle, George Janes, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was released from hospital.