A Meota man charged with first-degree murder for his wife’s death wants a preliminary hearing.
Michael MacKay, 38, had an appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court June 1 and an agent on behalf of his lawyer waived his attendance and asked for an adjournment.
The court heard that MacKay’s defence will provide the court with a statement identifying the issues and what evidence the preliminary hearing is expected to cover, as well as a list of expected witnesses. Preliminary hearings are held to determine if there is enough evidence for the accused to stand trial. Details of what is said during a preliminary hearing can’t be published.
A hearing date was expected to be set today but defence said they are reviewing disclosure further and having more discussions with the Crown. The Crown Prosecutor didn’t object to the adjournment to June 30.
Police say they launched an investigation into 38-year-old Cindy MacKay’s death after health care professionals raised concerns to RCMP. They didn’t specify what were those concerns. Cindy MacKay was taken to hospital in medical distress on Feb. 7, 2020, and died five days later.
Michael MacKay was arrested in Warman a year later on March 18. He was released on bail in April. The charges against him haven’t been proven in court.
Meota is a village 43 kilometres northwest of North Battleford
