The first stage of a three-part preliminary hearing for a Fort Good Hope man charged with murder wrapped up in NWT territorial court this week.
Colten McNeely, 25, is charged in the September 2017 death of Lloyd Edgi in the Sahtu community. Edgi, who was 28-years-old at the time of his death, left behind a partner and two children. The cause of his death has not yet been released.
A preliminary inquiry – a hearing to test the strength of the Crown's case against McNeely – took place on Wednesday and Thursday of last week, with three witnesses taking the stand to testify.
Wednesday's proceedings saw McNeely's defence, led by Peter Harte and Kate Oja, “consent to committal,” meaning the matter will eventually go to trial.
Before that happens, two final stages of the preliminary hearing will be carried out. McNeely will be back in court on May 25 for the next step, with another witness set to testify.
Finally, proceedings will move to Fort Good Hope where several civilian witnesses will take the stand.
Following a request from Crown prosecutor Blair MacPherson in September of last year, McNeely is barred from contacting 12 individuals who are believed to be related to the case.