ESTEVAN — The man charged in connection with a shooting in Estevan in April 2024 had his matters back in Estevan Provincial Court on March 27, as discussion continues on whether he will be found not criminally responsible.
William Joshua Curtis is facing 10 charges, including attempted murder, in connection with the incident nearly two years ago. During Curtis' March 27 appearance, Judge Mitch Miller said he has received an order from the Saskatchewan Review Board from Jan. 21 that says the board has received sufficient evidence to conclude that Curtis is now fit to stand trial. Another review board report from a psychiatrist, also in January, also deemed Curtis could stand trial.
“The parties are going to jointly ask that the accused be found fit to stand trial, based on the most recent physical fitness assessment,” said Miller in issuing the order.
The judge then said Crown and defence have indicated they wish to have the court order an assessment on whether Curtis was criminally responsible at the time of the incident.
“The evidence that I have before me on that is basically that counsel has agreed that this is necessary, and given that, I am willing to make that order,” said Miller.
The judge added there were conflicting opinions on whether Curtis should be deemed criminally responsible.
Curtis appeared in person on March 27. His attorney Aleida Oberholzer asked for a 30-day adjournment to April 27 for a check-in on the assessment process. Curtis was remanded into custody in the Regina Correctional Centre; he had been at the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford since December 2024, when he was initially deemed unfit to stand trial.
Curtis has been charged with one count each of attempted murder by discharging a firearm; pointing a firearm; discharging a firearm; aggravated assault; possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence; uttering threats; manufacturing ammunition while unauthorized; and possession of a firearm while prohibited. He is also charged with two counts of manufacturing a firearm while unauthorized.
