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By Pete McIntyre
Co-accused unfit to stand trial

Vernon murder trial starts with evidence hearing

Jul 6, 2020 | 11:44 AM

A hearing to determine the admissibility of Crown evidence is underway today in a Vernon murder case.

Jacqueline Nicole Leavins, born in 1978, is facing a charge of second degree murder in the death of 50-year-old William Bartz whose body was found in a Vernon apartment on 43rd Avenue in July 2017.

A voir dire hearing started Monday in B.C. Supreme Court with the first evidence in the trial expected to begin August 17, according to the B.C. Prosecution Service (BCPS).

A former co-accused, Richard William Fairgrieve, born in 1973, was found unfit to stand trial in January.

“Should Mr. Fairgrieve be found fit at some later time the BCPS will resume the prosecution against him for the murder charge,” Dan McLaughlin from the B.C. Prosecution Service told Vernon Matters.

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The trial of Leavins will be before a Supreme Court judge with no jury.

by Pete McIntyre
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