LLOYDMINSTER - An Onion Lake man charged with murder was to appear in court Wednesday by CCTV from Prince Albert Correctional Centre but due to technical issues his attendance ended up being waived.
Defence lawyer Kathy Hodgson-Smith told Lloydminster Provincial Court that 26-year-old Branden Dillon will be entering a not guilty plea, wants a preliminary hearing and will elect to be tried by judge and jury.
Crown prosecutor Oryn Holm told the court that it would be a potentially lengthy preliminary hearing requiring a special sitting.
Dillon and 24-year-old Vega Bear were charged with second-degree murder in the death of Braden Richard Bull. He was reported missing on Jan. 20, 2020, and was last seen Jan. 7. His body was found Jan. 21, 2020.
Bull’s murder is one of three murders in approximately two months that prompted Onion Lake Cree Nation to declare a state of emergency in January 2020 after the Nation experienced increased drug and gang-related activity.
In July, Bear pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. He was to be sentenced on Aug. 19 but the sentencing hearing was adjourned to Oct. 21.
Dillon appears in court Oct. 6 to confirm how he wants to be tried and to potentially set a date for a preliminary hearing.
