THUNDER BAY – A man accused in a 2011 homicide case arrived in court Monday morning for the first day of his preliminary hearing.
Kyle Rae, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault after 21-year-old Jimmy Monias was taken to hospital with a head injury. Moonias later died from his injuries.
The death prompted the charges to be upgraded, and Rae now faces second-degree murder.
The incident occurred last October in a Limbrick Street townhouse.
A city police spokesperson said alcohol was deemed a factor in the incident. The preliminary hearing will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. In accordance with a publication ban, evidence presented during the hearing is being withheld from publication.
Four days have been set aside, but Rae's lawyer David Gibson says he expects the hearing to be wrapped up by Wednesday.
