WEYBURN — Chris Fahlman’s matters were back in Weyburn Provincial Court on Dec. 9 – his first court appearance since he was denied bail last month.
Fahlman is charged with one count each of second-degree murder and intentionally discharging a firearm while being reckless as to the life or safety of another person, in connection with the shooting death of a Weyburn woman in September. He was in court on Dec. 9 by video.
Fahlman’s attorney Sharon Fox said discussions have started with the prosecution and the court about setting a preliminary inquiry date, which would determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Fox added the Crown has indicated they believe the inquiry would take seven or eight days.
Once a preliminary hearing date is set, then she would like to see a case management meeting with the prosecution.
“I just don’t want this matter to lag, coming back for adjournment after adjournment, while we’re trying to sort things out. I’d rather get some dates identified and locked down in people’s calendars,” she said.
She expects the preliminary hearing will need to be set “many months” in advance.
Judge David Chow instructed defence and Crown prosecutors to have discussions on the time needed and potential dates for a preliminary hearing to ensure the court house and the required people will be available. Chow also wants to see potential dates for case management.
“I want to see the matter proceed rather efficiently, and I agree with Ms. Fox: I don’t want to see it being adjourned from time to time without meaningful progress,” Chow said.
Fahlman was remanded into custody and will make his next appearance by video on Dec. 18, also in Weyburn Provincial Court.
Background: Fahlman is charged with fatally shooting Tanya Myers, a 44-year-old Weyburn woman, on Highway 39 near Weyburn in September.
A show-cause hearing was held Nov. 19 and 20 in Court of King's Bench in Weyburn. After two days of testimony, evidence, cross-examination and arguments, the judge reserved his decision. He ruled a few days later that Fahlman would remain in custody.
The evidence, arguments and other information presented during the hearing, as well as the judge's reasons for denying bail, are covered by a publication ban.
Fahlman had previously been charged with one count each of manslaughter with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, and occupying a motor vehicle knowing there is a firearm inside. Those charges were stayed after the two current charges were brought forward.
Fahlman has been in custody since his arrest in early November.
According to the RCMP, Myers was a passenger in one of two vehicles struck by bullets while travelling on Highway 39 on Sept. 12. RCMP say Fahlman and Myers were not known to each other.
SaskToday will continue to have updates on this story.
