By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Manslaughter trial scheduled for spring of 2018

Aug 14, 2017 | 1:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A judge and jury trial has been set for Jillian Wendy Across the Mountain, just over a month after the charge against her was reduced to manslaughter.

Across the Mountain was originally charged with second degree murder, in connection with the death of 56-year old Candace Little Light.

That charge was reduced at the start of what was supposed to be a preliminary inquiry on July 4 – to determine if there was enough evidence for a trial – with the defence saying they came to an agreement with the Crown on the change, and that they would waive a prelim on the manslaughter charge, opting to proceed directly to trial.

“Second degree murder is the intention to kill, or the intention to inflict serious bodily harm and that you’re reckless whether or not death ensues,” explained defence lawyer, Michael Dietrich in July. “After we diligently, and I say diligently, reviewed the extensive disclosure from the Crown… we were of the view that perhaps a more fair charge, according to law, would be that she should go to trial, not on second degree murder, but on a lesser charge of manslaughter.

“We absolutely, unequivocally do not admit guilt, and this matter will go to trial,” he continued. “We’re going to let 12 good people – after they hear all of the evidence – decide the case.”

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The trial is scheduled to run from May 14 to June 1, 2018.

Across the Mountain was arrested on May 30, 2016, following an investigation into Little Light’s death. The victim was found severely injured in her apartment along the 100 block of Columbia Boulevard West on Feb. 7, 2016. She died a short time later, and an autopsy confirmed it was the result of stab wounds.

In a statement to the media, Lethbridge Police said their investigation found that Little Light and the accused were intimate partners, and that they had been living together in the apartment.