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Resolution expected for man accused of trying to kill his parents

Jun 14, 2018 | 12:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A resolution appears to be imminent in the case of a 28-year-old Lethbridge man, who is accused of trying to kill his parents.

Nigel Vermeulen faces two counts of attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault, in connection with an incident earlier this year.

During a brief court appearance Thursday morning, June 14, defence lawyer Greg White said he has received instructions from Vermeulen on how to proceed but needed time to discuss it with the Crown. The case was then adjourned to July 10.

Prosecutor Erin Olsen stated that they anticipate guilty pleas being entered at that time that will see the matter resolved. She could not however, comment on what Vermeulen is expected to plead guilty to.

According to the Lethbridge Police Service, they responded to a report of an assault at a west side home around 2:40 a.m. on Feb. 11. Following an investigation, they say a 72-year-old man and 62-year-old woman were asleep in their bed, when a man entered the room, stabbed them, then fled the scene.

The male victim suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the female victim was treated on scene by EMS.

Police arrested a suspect a short distance away and took him into custody without incident.

The case has been delayed to this point due to the need for a psychological assessment – and subsequent extension of the assessment – for Vermeulen, who remains in custody.