Edouard Maurice appeared in court Friday morning to face assault and firearm charges in connection with his alleged actions during a confrontation with two people on his property in February of this year but the case has been delayed to allow the Crown time to share evidence.
The Crown prosection told the court it had not completed the disclosure process and will require additional time to distribute evidence that may be relevant to the defence. The case has been postponed to May 4, 2018.
On the morning of Saturday, February 24, RCMP responded to Maurice's rural property following reports two people had been breaking into vehicles. According to police, two shots were fired on the property prior to the arrival of officers.
An injured 41-year-old man, Ryan Watson, was arrested after seeking medical attention for a gunshot wound. Watson faces charges of trespassing, theft and possession of methamphetamine in connection with the events of February 24 on the Maurice property.
The second trespassing suspect, Stephanie Martens, 30, was arrested on March 13.
The homeowner, Edouard Maurice, faces charges of aggravated assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of firearm. According to Maurice's lawyer Tonii Roulston, her client was acting in self defense and had every right to protect his family. A jury will decide Maurice's fate.
Maurice arrived to the Okotoks courthouse to a round of applause from his supporters on Friday. Following the court's decision to delay the proceedings, Maurice addressed the gathering outside the courthouse and thanked them for their support.
An online fundraiser has collected more than $36,000 to cover Maurice's legal fees.
