THUNDER BAY -- The preliminary hearing for a man accused of murder in a fatal hit-and-run incident began Monday at the Thunder Bay Courthouse.
Sheldon Mark Yesno was charged with second-degree murder and failing to remain at the scene in October of last year after 38-year-old Richard Terrance Vrastak died from injuries sustained in a collision that took place in the 200 block of South Algoma Street on Oct. 1, 2013.
Police said the victim was riding his bicycle southbound on South Algoma Street, travelling on the east sidewalk, when he was struck by a van. It is alleged the driver of the van collided with Vrastak intentionally.
Vrastak died from his injuries at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre two days later.
In October 2013, police said the confrontation between the suspect and the victim was connected to a drug transaction that took place prior to the altercation on the street.
Yesno’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for three days and the Crown is expected to call at least half-a-dozen witnesses.
Yesno is the son of Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno; NAN confirmed the relationship in October 2013.
None of the charges against the accused have been proven in court.
