Accused to be tried for top charge in Paskemin killing

A 27 year-old Saskatoon man accused of a grisly killing will stand trial for first-degree murder. A judge in Saskatoon handed down the ruling Friday, after a lengthy preliminary hearing.

Kenneth MacKay is charged in the death of 21 year-old Crystal Paskemin. Her remains were found in January near a grid road just outside the city. She had been killed three weeks earlier.

There were two options available to the judge. He could have committed MacKay to stand trial on either first or second degree murder.

The crown prosecutor says he's relieved the court committed MacKay on the more serious charge.

"I'm pleased that the judge decided that the accused would stand trial on first-degree because that's the charge that was laid," says Robin Ritter.

No date has been set for MacKay's trial.