A preliminary inquiry started on Monday into the gang-style shooting death of a Red Deer man on New Year’s Day two years ago.
The accused, 17 at the time of the incident, can’t be named by the Canada Youth Justice Act. He appeared in Red Deer youth court on Monday to start the preliminary inquiry scheduled for four days.
Inquiries are held to test the strength of the Crown’s case against the accused before a judge can order a trial.
The youth, who is facing a first-degree murder charge, appeared in court wearing a white and black short-sleeved polo shirt. He was given paper and a pen to take notes during the hearing.
Lloyd Robert Sarson, 25, was found dead in a car parked in the alley behind residences near 37th Avenue and Ross Street.
The youth was arrested in Vancouver on March 13, 2014. He has been held in custody since his arrest.
Despite being a youth at the time of the offence, the Crown is seeking an adult sentence if the youth is convicted. He is now 19-years-old.
Should the matter proceed to trial, the youth has elected to be tried by a judge and jury.
The preliminary inquiry is expected to continue until Thursday before Judge Gordon Yake.