THUNDER BAY - A judge will determine if there is enough evidence to commit a Thunder Bay man to stand trial for second-degree murder in connection to the 2018 death of 63-year-old Joseph Harry Pruys Sr.
A preliminary hearing opened in a Thunder Bay Courtroom on Monday for Charles Casmey.
Casmey is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged role in the death of Pruys, who was found dead inside a McLaughlin Street home on the night of Feb. 26, 2018. A 25-year-old female was also found injured inside the home.
A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Casmey’s arrest and he was taken into custody on March 1, 2018 after a brief standoff during which he barricaded himself inside a McTavish Street residence before turning himself over to police. He was charged with second-degree murder, assault causing bodily harm, and failure to comply with recognizance.
Crown prosecutor, Gordon Fillmore, said the preliminary hearing is expected to take place over the next five days and resume again in June. He informed Justice Chantal Brochu that the Crown expects to call 15 witnesses.
Casmey remains in custody and appeared in court in person with counsel Kathy Perchenok.
A publication ban is in place on all evidence presented during the preliminary hearing.
