Toronto

Brett Ryan, the man charged in crossbow killings, appears in court with a new lawyer

A man charged with the murder of his mother and two brothers involving a crossbow appeared via video link in a Toronto court on Friday represented by a new lawyer.

Defence says it has received 'voluminous' disclosure that it needs to review

Brett Ryan has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder. (Toronto Police Service)

A man charged with the murder of his mother and two brothers involving a crossbow appeared via video link in a Toronto court on Friday represented by a new lawyer.

Brett Anthony Ryan, 35, faces three first-degree murder charges in the deaths of Susan Ryan, 66, Christopher Ryan, 42, and Alexander Ryan, 29.

Ryan appeared briefly via video link at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East in Scarborough, looking attentive in an orange jumpsuit.

The accused said "good morning" to the court and stated his name when asked. He said "thank you" after the court dealt with his matter.

 At the hearing, the defence received disclosure from the Crown, meaning they can now review the evidence the Crown and the police have collected. 

Ryan, whose new lawyer is John Rosen, is due back in court on Nov. 18.

An assistant for Rosen said he received what he described as a "voluminous" disclosure from the Crown in the form of 20 DVDs.

Police arrested Ryan on Aug. 26 at his mother's house at 10 Lawndale Rd., where Susan Ryan was found dead of strangulation. Christopher and Alexander Ryan died by crossbow bolt or arrowhead, according to autopsy results.

In 2009, Brett Ryan served about 15 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to 16 combined counts of robbery and disguise with intent for holding up 14 banks across the GTA beginning in 2007.

He was sentenced to three years and nine months in jail, but was released on day parole in May 2010.   

He received full parole in November 2010.