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Crown looking to streamline Pelican Narrows 2nd-degree murder case

Jun 19, 2015 | 7:16 AM

The case of seven people charged with second-degree murder in connection to a teen’s death is moving closer to trial.

Pelican Narrows RCMP officers found 17-year-old Hilliard Sewap Jr. critically hurt in early May, after they were called to a disturbance in the community.

Following that, seven males – five men and two youths – were arrested and charged with second-degree murder, among other charges.

The Crown prosecutor is looking to streamline the court process by creating a joint file, one for the men and another for the youths.

That means Robbie Lambert Creed Custer, 20, Brandon Lee Matt McCallum, 18, Trevor Charles, 28, Cody Drake Custer, 22, and Marcus Sewap, 19, will all be addressed in court as a group.

If the cases of the co-accused weren’t combined, there could possibly be seven separate trials.

Prosecutor Fran Atkinson explained it can be difficult to get that many lawyers with different schedules together at the same time, which is why it’s adjourned until July 20.

It’s expected all parties will lay the groundwork for a preliminary hearing at that time.

Atkinson had previously stated that the Crown will seek adult sentences for the two youths.

Five of the males accused are out on bail, and two have not yet sought bail. Cody Custer and Trevor Charles are still in custody.

panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow