Case of man accused of murdering partner in Cole Harbour going straight to trial

After months of postponements and delays, the case against Aaron Daniel Crawley, 34, has just taken a big leap forward.

Crawley is charged with first-degree murder in the October 2023 death of his longtime partner, Hollie Marie Boland, 30. He allegedly struck her with a car outside a home in Cole Harbour, N.S., where he had been living.

During an appearance in provincial court in Dartmouth Wednesday morning, Crawley's lawyer, Eugene Tan, waived his client's right to a preliminary inquiry and instead asked that the matter be referred directly to Supreme Court to look for dates for a trial.

Tan said, at this point, he is looking at a jury trial for the murder charge and other outstanding charges that Crawley faces. Those charges arise from two earlier incidents in which Crawley is accused of attacking Boland.

Crawley appeared by video from jail and frequently interjected during the morning proceedings. When Tan said Crawley was consenting to having his bail revoked for the earlier offences, Crawley jumped in.

"I said I would think about it," he said. "Let's not jump the gun there, brother."

Crawley also tried to speak directly to Judge Jill Hartlen but she told him he must speak through his lawyer.

"I'm pretty sure my name is on the docket, not Eugene's," Crawley said.

All the charges have now been referred to a hearing in Supreme Court later this month when lawyers will discuss their next steps.