A father and son charged with murder in the death of longtime cab driver both made brief video appearances in NWT territorial court Tuesday.
James Schiller, 49, and Elias Schiller, 18, were charged after Ahmed Mahamud Ali, a City Cab driver of more than 20 years, was pronounced dead in the early hours of Nov. 19. Ali was found unconscious inside his taxi outside of Stanton Territorial Hospital.
Over half a dozen supporters and family members of the accused crowded the Yellowknife courtroom, where both Elias and James appeared via video from North Slave Correctional Complex (NSCC), where they've remained in custody since their arrests.
James Schiller, 49, hides his face as he enters the Yellowknife courthouse late last year. Schiller is one of two charged with murder in connection with the death of a City Cab driver in November.
Nov. 23, 2018.
In past appearances, dozens of Yellowknife taxi drivers have also shown up to court in a show of solidarity.
Both men are due to appear via video again on Feb. 26, when preliminary inquiry dates will be set for each of the accused.
Preliminary hearings test the strength of the Crown's case before heading to trial.
In the wake of Ali's death – which prompted fellow taxi drivers to call for safer working conditions in the city – City Cab implemented new security measures in its taxis.