Provincial officials want more time to evaluate the mental status of an Innisfail-area man accused of killing his father.
The body of Tim Guilbault, 58, was discovered at a family residence near Red Lodge Park on Nov. 5.
Guilbault had lived in Red Deer for a number of years and served on city council before moving to Calgary to take a new job.
Aaron Guilbault, 31, was arrested near Stettler and charged with second-degree murder in connection with his father’s death. The younger man was already facing other criminal charges that had been laid earlier, including two counts of criminal harassment.
Psychiatric assessments were ordered late in January to determine whether Guilbault is fit to stand trial and whether he should be declared not criminally responsible by reason of insanity.
Members of his family watched from the public gallery on Wednesday as Guilbault, who remains in custody, was brought into Red Deer provincial court to enter his plea.
Crown prosecutor Murray McPherson advised the court that Alberta Health Services needs four more weeks to assess Guilbault’s fitness for trial.
Judge John Holmes granted the extension, ordering that the accused return to court on April 3 to enter his plea and elect the manner in which he is to be tried.