THUNDER BAY -- The decision on whether a murder suspect will be released after allegedly breaching her bail conditions is expected within the week.
Priscilla Thomas was charged with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Jeffrey Munroe, 35, on Jan. 25, 2014 at an apartment building on the corner of Kingsway Avenue and Walsh Street.
Thomas was granted bail by a Superior Court judge in April 2014 with several conditions, including that she must abstain absolutely from alcohol.
She is back in custody after allegedly breaching her bail conditions by consuming alcohol and appeared in person in front of a Superior Court judge Wednesday morning for a bail review hearing.
Her lawyer Francis Thatcher proposed a release plan that included a $800 surety and a further $1,000 cash bail to be paid prior to her release.
Thatcher said Gladue factors are also applied in bail hearings and he hoped the court could craft a plan for Thomas to be released and address her alcohol issues.
Plans to get Thomas into a three-month treatment program had fallen apart before the hearing and Crown attorney Robert Kozak opposed the plan without the treatment portion in place.
He said he believed Thomas wasn’t far enough in her healing journey to be released into the community without posing a risk.
Thatcher said his client needs to be released before the treatment program in mind would consider Thomas.
Justice Dan Newton said the case shows the problems many face with poverty, addictions and access to mental health services in the community.
A date was not set for the judge’s decision. However, he said he expects it to be ready within the week.
In January 2014, city police said a domestic altercation had occurred between Thomas and Munroe, who lived together.
The altercation escalated and Munroe was stabbed. Alcohol was also a factor.
Munroe was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Thomas was committed to stand trial for second-degree murder on Dec. 18, 2014 after a preliminary hearing.
She also has a court date of May 26 for a pre-trial.
None of the allegations against the accused have been proven in court.
