Murder trial delayed for accused Surrey Six killer Jamie Bacon
Accused gangster will now face murder charge in March of 2018
The murder trial for accused gangster Jamie Bacon has been pushed back to March of 2018.
As part of reasons given from the bench, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Ker said the defence is crafting an application for a stay of proceedings because of the delay. If successful, Bacon could walk away.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Crown spokesman Daniel McLaughlin said the state is doing its best.
"The public should know that this is an example of the criminal justice system essentially working its way through a variety of complex issues," he said.
"They are being challenged, and in my view, we are rising to the challenge."
Bacon's trial was supposed to begin next month. Almost 11 years will have passed since the Surrey Six killings when, and if he finally faces one count of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder.
Judge says jury selection will begin in February 2018. Trial will begin in March 2018.
—@proctor_jasonHe has been the subject of closed-door court proceedings for months.
Bacon was charged, along with several others, following the October 2007 shooting at a Surrey apartment that killed six people, including innocent bystanders, 22-year-old Chris Mohan and gas-fitter Ed Schellenberg.
Cody Haevischer and Matthew Johnston — alleged drug gang associates of Bacon — were sentenced to life in prison in 2014 after they were found guilty on six counts of first-degree murder each.
Both are appealing the convictions.