By Tony Blais
An application Tuesday by accused killer Travis Vader for a review of an earlier decision denying him bail on new charges and breaching the release conditions on his murder charges was dismissed.
Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Paul Belzil made the ruling after hearing submissions by defence lawyer Nate Whitling and Crown prosecutor Eman Joumaa.
There is a ban on publication of the evidence heard during the hearing, as well as the arguments made and the reasons for the decision.
A decision on whether a no-contact order between Vader and his fiancee would be removed was adjourned to July 25.
Vader, who appeared in person sporting orange Edmonton Remand Centre coveralls, has been in custody since being arrested May 10 for allegedly violating conditions of his bail on first-degree murder charges he faces for the alleged 2010 slayings of an elderly St. Albert couple.
Vader, 44, was also charged at the time with break and enter to commit theft, possession of stolen property under $5,000, breach of recognizance and breach of probation.
Police have said Vader breached his bail conditions by allegedly failing a drug test and contacting a Crown witness from his murder trial. Police also allege he was involved in a copper wire and truck theft at a west-end industrial park when they arrested him.
Vader’s murder trial into the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann wrapped up June 23. A decision in the case is scheduled for Sept. 15.
Lyle McCann, 78, and Marie McCann, 77, were last seen on July 3, 2010, leaving a Superstore in St. Albert while en route to B.C. for a family camping vacation. Their bodies have never been found.
