The preliminary hearing for a first-degree murder case involving a Wallaceburg woman won’t begin until mid-July, but the process could have began earlier.
Kourtny Audette, 25, appeared to be wiping tears from her eyes as she made a brief appearance via video link in a Chatham court on Friday, accompanied by an agent for her lawyer, Laura Joy of Windsor.
Audette is facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection to the death of Nick Laprise, 24.
The agreed upon dates submitted to the court include holding a focus hearing on March 25, 2019 followed by a confirmation hearing on May 1, 2019.
Dates for a preliminary hearing have been scheduled for next July 15-19 and July 22-23 in a Chatham courtroom.
However, the Crown wanted it put on the record that the Crown, Chatham-Kent police and the court were ready to begin the process as early as Nov. 26 and offered other dates in January, May and June.
The Crown stated it was Audette’s lawyer who was not available for the preliminary hearing to begin until July.
Audette, who has been in custody since being arrested last April, will not be required to attend the focus hearing, but the justice of the peace indicated she be present for the confirmation hearing in May.
Audette will continue to be remanded in custody at this point.
There is the option for her to apply for bail, but there was no indication during Friday’s proceedings if this will happen.
There is a publication ban on evidence presented during the proceedings.
According to previously published reports, emergency crews responded to a Book Street home in Wallaceburg on April 18.
A man, later identified as Laprise, died at the scene.
No further information has been released regarding how the father of two knew the woman accused of killing him.
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