By Thia James

Accused in second-degree murder dies waiting for court appearance

Dec 7, 2013 | 10:50 AM

There has been another twist in a Pelican Narrows murder case — Crown prosecutors stayed a second-degree murder charge because the accused has died.

Senior crown prosecutor Fran Atkinson said the charge had to be stayed after John Bob Glen Custer, 19, of Pelican Narrows, died Nov. 24. Custer had been remanded in custody at the time, until his next expected court appearance on Dec. 3.

“The circumstances of his death are under investigation, so I really can`t comment further,“ she said.

Custer was charged in connection to the October death of 40-year-old Heather Ballantyne, also of Pelican Narrows. Her body was discovered Oct. 29 in a wooded area close to a much-used trail. She had been strangled to death. Custer was arrested on Nov. 1.

“No one else is being investigated with Miss Ballantyne`s death,“ Atkinson said.

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On Nov. 23, an inmate was found dead in his cell at the Prince Albert Provincial Correctional Centre. Officials have not identified that person, and foul play is not suspected.

The Prince Albert Police Service and corrections officials are investigating that incident.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames