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Witnesses attend hearing into fatal explosion

Witnesses continue testimony today in relation to a fatal explosion in Innisfail in the fall of 2011.

Witnesses continue testimony today in relation to a fatal explosion in Innisfail in the fall of 2011.

Victoria Shachtay, 23, was killed no Nov. 25, 2011, while opening a package delivered to the door of her home.

Police later arrested Brian Andrew Malley, 56, on charges of first-degree murder and two counts of causing an explosion likely to cause harm or death.

Represented by Edmonton lawyer Bob Aloneissi, Malley pleaded not guilty and asked for a preliminary hearing before proceeding to trial.

The hearing opened before Judge Jim Hunter in Red Deer provincial court on Monday and is scheduled to take three weeks.

Additional time may be needed for evidence that Aloneissi said is still missing from the package given to him by Crown prosecutors in advance of the hearing.

Preliminary hearings may be held to test the Crown’s case before proceeding to trial. The Crown must demonstrate that its case is strong enough for a reasonable chance of getting a conviction.

Evidence from a preliminary hearing, including the names and roles of various witnesses, cannot be made public until it is introduced at trial.

Malley was released from custody on June 29, 2012.