By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Defence concerned about extra attention surrounding murder case

Apr 21, 2017 | 4:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A high profile case, in which a 41-year old Lethbridge man is accused of second degree murder in the death of nine-month old Austin Wright, is getting even more attention, and that’s drawing concern from the accused’s defence counsel.

Tonii Roulston is representing Tyler Brian Hogan, with the case currently in the midst of a preliminary hearing.

During a prelim – which will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to advance to a trial – all evidence presented in court is covered by a publication ban.

Speaking with members of the media on Friday (Apr. 21), Roulston explained that her concerns relate to an event going on this weekend, in which the Lethbridge chapter of ‘Bikers Against Child Abuse’ (BACA) will be riding from Lethbridge to Fort Macleod to raise awareness about Austin’s death.

“Our concern is that there is a publication ban in place, with respect to the preliminary inquiry, and the importance of that is so as not to taint the jury [should the case proceed to trial],” stated Roulston outside the Lethbridge courthouse.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

48m ago

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

Week-in-review: Street sweeping, policing in Coaldale and #SlowYourRoll

Apr 13, 2024

“These types of cases invoke a lot of emotion — and understandably, for the victim, for the victim’s family — however, what’s important to remember is that under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the whole reason that Canada is such a great country to live in, is that Tyler Hogan and any individual accused is presumed innocent until after trial, where he is found guilty or determined to be not guilty,” she continued. “That’s an important principle that we need to remember, regardless of whatever emotions are in play.”

Two members of BACA were also at the courthouse, including Lethbridge Chapter President, “Cowgirl”.

She stated that their intent is not to put any pressure on Hogan, or any other accused person, but simply to raise awareness about child abuse and to support child victims and their families.

When asked why the ride will be happening in the middle of the preliminary hearing for Hogan, Cowgirl said the family of Austin Wright reached out to them and selected the date, saying they did not choose it.

The prelim is currently scheduled to run until Monday (Apr. 24), at which point two more days will have to be scheduled to finish the proceedings, as some of the forensic medical evidence is still pending.