Calgary mass murder suspect to appear in court today
Posted April 22, 2014 6:46 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CALGARY (NEWS1130) – The man accused of Calgary’s worst mass murder is scheduled to make his first appearance Tuesday morning.
Matt de Grood is facing five counts of first degree murder in connection to the deaths of five young people; they were killed at a house party that was being held to mark the end of the school year.
De Grood’s lawyer, Allan Fay, says this could take years to try in open court, depending on how the trial is laid out. He says his client is doing as well as one might expect.
“He appeared distraught. He appeared upset. He appeared fearful. All of those things that one would expect under those circumstances,” Allan Fay said.
The Crown or defence may ask the judge for a psychiatric assessment before the case is moved forward.
Today’s court appearance comes just ahead of another funeral for one of the victims.
Zackariah “Zack” Rathwell will be laid to rest Tuesday afternoon. His family has opened services to the public.
A statement released Sunday reads: “We know that he touched the lives of so many through his kindness, his laughter and his music. Which is why we are inviting everyone to Zack’s funeral. Whether you met him once, or you didn’t know him at all but feel you need to be there to grieve, please come.”
A funeral will be held for the fifth victim, Lawrence Hong, Wednesday afternoon.
