By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles

Preliminary Inquiry Set for Blairmore Double Homicide

Feb 26, 2016 | 10:25 AM

LETHBRIDGE: A preliminary inquiry has been set for Derek James Saretzky, the man accused of killing two year old Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and her father Terry Blanchette in Blairmore last September.

The purpose of the inquiry is to determine if there’s enough evidence to take the matter to trial.

During the appearance via CCTV in Lethbridge Provincial court Friday, there was no mention of the psychiatric assessment, which was ordered shortly after Saretzky was taken into custody to examine his fitness to stand trial and mental state at the time of the offence.

While in custody in late September, Saretzky was hospitalized following an apparent suicide attempt at the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.

Should the case go to trial, Saretzky has already entered an election of going before a Court of Queen’s Bench judge and jury.

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