THUNDER BAY -- A preliminary hearing is underway for a Thunder Bay man charged with murder in connection to the 2022 death of 37-year-old Charlie Finlayson.
The hearing opened on Monday for 33-year-old Justin Coaster in a Thunder Bay courtroom. It is a discovery preliminary hearing which does not take place before a judge.
Coaster was first charged with second-degree murder on Aug. 11, 2022, following a standoff in the 200 block of Blucher Avenue.
Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service first responded to the residence at approximately 2:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance. Police learned a person of interest wanted in connection to a recent homicide investigation was inside the residence.
During the standoff, police discharged anti-riot weapons at Coaster and later used stun guns to subdue him. Coaster was taken into custody just before 9 p.m. that day.
The Special Investigations Unit cleared the Thunder Bay Police Service officer’s use of non-lethal force during the standoff and arrest of Coaster.
Coaster was charged with second-degree murder in connection to the death of Finlayson, which occurred on July 29, 2022, at a McMillan Street residence.
There is a publication ban on all evidence presented during a preliminary hearing. The hearing is scheduled for four days.
