Preliminary hearing begins for 19-year-old murder suspect

A young woman charged with first-degree murder is a step closer to going to trial.

Day one of a week-long preliminary hearing began at the provincial courthouse in Thunder Bay Monday.

Kecia Spade, 19, is charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of 18-year old Mariah Wesley. The victim was found dead, lying in a street in the Michkeegogamang First Nation near Pickle Lake, in November of 2009.

For the next five days lawyers and a judge will meet to exchange evidence before a decision is made on whether or not Spade will go to trial to face the charge against her.

Spade remains in custody at the Thunder Bay Youth Facility.

Meanwhile, delays continue in the Mervin Spence manslaughter trial. The jury was excused from the courtroom again Monday, allowing lawyers and the judge to continue a series of private meetings.

The 23-year old Spence is charged in connection with the death of 44-year old Scott James in December 2007. The trial is expected to continue at Superior Court Tuesday morning.