THUNDER BAY - A judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial for one of two individuals charged in connection with the 2020 death of 14-year-old Kayliegh Ivall.
A preliminary hearing began on Monday for Jarett Brandon Sainnawap, 21, who was first charged with first-degree murder on May 5, 2020 in connection with Ivall’s death.
A 14-year-old girl, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, was arrested on May 4, 2020 and also charged with first-degree murder.
Ivall was first reported missing on April 27, 2020 after not being seen since the day before.
According to the Thunder Bay Police Service, her body was found on April 27 by a passer-by in a wooded area near Arundel Street and Lyon Boulevard, and a homicide investigation was launched.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for five days and is being presided over by Justice George Beatty.
Crown Attorney Trevor Jukes and defense counsel, Gil Labine, do not expect to require the entire five days.
According to Jukes, six Crown witnesses will be called throughout the course of the hearing.
All evidence presented during the preliminary hearing is subject to a publication ban.
Sainnawap remains in custody. Separate proceedings will take place for the youth also facing charges.
