The preliminary hearing for a man accused of killing a much-loved Vancouver resident began in Vancouver Provincial Court Jan. 3.
Kitsilano resident Brent Steven White is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Justis Daniel, 77.
Daniel was the caretaker of Tatlow Park. He was found dead in his home in December 2021.
Judge James Sutherland is presiding over the preliminary hearing. Such inquiries are held to examine evidence to determine if enough exists to proceed to trial.
Defence lawyer Paul McMurray and Crown prosecutor Colleen Smith will be presenting their cases to Sutherland over several days.
Publication bans cover such proceedings so as not to taint a potential jury pool should an accused elect trial by judge and jury.
Daniel was found dead on Dec. 10, 2021 in his home at West 3rd Avenue and MacDonald Street.
The Texas-born father of one was known as a talented singer and guitar player.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said White was arrested without incident.
Police said the long-time caretaker had no known enemies. VPD major crime section commander Insp. Dale Weidman said White and Daniel were casual acquaintances but not friends.
Police did not comment on a motive and cause of death.
“This crime shocked the community and caused significant anxiety, in part because we could not immediately explain what happened or guarantee there was no ongoing public safety risk,” Weidman said March 28.
Daniel’s death was Vancouver’s 17th homicide of 2021.
