A man accused in the death of Richard Pember during a house party in Bankview nearly a year ago has been ordered to stand trial on a lesser charge.
Zachery Frederick Rider was initially charged with second-degree murder in the Nov. 22, 2016 Calgary death.
READ MORE: Calgary police lay charges in Bankview homicide
In court Wednesday, Rider was ordered to stand trial on the charge of manslaughter, as well as two assault-related charges he was facing from that same altercation, which police said started during a night of partying.
Pember’s body was found by firefighters at a home on 17th Street S.W., after his roommate walked into a Beltline fire hall claiming he needed help for the 58 year old.
READ MORE: Police identify man found dead in Bankview, search for man who ‘may have info’
Two days later, police issued a call for information on a person of interest, leading to the arrest of Rider.
Rider, 37, is expected back in court Dec. 1 to start the process of determining trial dates.