‘Integral’ evidence in Okotoks farm shooting won’t be available for up to a year

A delay in getting a police report has the Crown assessing its next step for a man charged after shots were fired in a confrontation on his property in southern Alberta.

Edouard Maurice made a brief court appearance on Friday in Okotoks, Alta., where his case was put over to June 22.

READ MORE: ‘Not guilty:’ Okotoks man charged in rural shooting to let a jury decide his fate

Maurice, 33, was charged with aggravated assault and firearms offences after he allegedly confronted two people rummaging through his vehicles in February. Shots were fired and one of the suspects was later found with an arm injury and taken to hospital.

The other suspects are facing theft, trespassing and mischief charges.

READ MORE: Alberta man charged after farm shooting met with applause outside courthouse

“There is some delay in obtaining a report from the RCMP lab. I understand a request was made shortly after the incident for certain items seized … (and) that request was processed at the beginning of May,” Crown prosecutor Jim Sawa told the court.

“I’m told it may take upwards of eight to 12 months for the report to be completed. The matter is being reviewed currently at my office.”

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Maurice’s lawyer, Tonii Roulston, said until the ballistics report is received there can be no election and plea or setting of a trial date. She said eight to 12 months is just too long.

“Mr. Maurice has the right to an expedited trial in this matter,” Roulston said.

“That report … from a defence perspective, and likely from the Crown perspective, is integral to this case.”

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Roulston said there have been some discussions with the Crown. She has already indicated her client will plead not guilty and seek a trial before a judge and jury.

READ MORE: Okotoks homeowner charged with shooting at suspects seen rummaging through vehicles

She hopes it doesn’t come to that.

“I’m hoping that when we come back, we have some sort of information whereby there may be some closure,” Roulston said.

Watch below: Okotoks homeowner charged with shooting at suspects seen rummaging through vehicles

2:19 Okotoks homeowner charged with shooting at suspects seen rummaging through vehicles