Travis Vader, the man accused of killing St. Albert couple Lyle and Marie McCann, made his second court appearance on the charges in Edson Tuesday, getting the case put over for another month after announcing he had hired a new lawyer.
Vader was charged with first-degree murder in the couple's death in April, nearly two years after first being named a suspect. Vader made the court appearance through closed circuit television from the Edmonton remand centre, wearing blue prison overalls.
At his first appearance on the charges last month, Vader indicated he would be represented by Edmonton lawyer Peter Royal and said he was finalizing arrangements to retain him, but Tuesday he said he had hired Anna Konye, who also practices in Edmonton.
Konye sent a request to have the matter put over a month so she could receive and review the disclosure in the case. The disclosure is the evidence and paperwork covering the crown’s case that they are required to provide to the defence. It is standard practice for defence lawyers to review those files before entering a plea.
Vader has been in custody, on unrelated charges, since shortly after the couple disappeared in July 2010. He will remain in custody at the remand centre.
Lyle and Marie McCann were last seen leaving St. Albert in their motor home, headed for a vacation in British Columbia. The burnt-out shell of their motor home was found July 5, at a campground near Edson. A few days later Vader was declared a suspect on the same day their SUV was found.
According to court documents, police believe the McCanns were killed on July 3, 2010 near Peers, which is 40 kilometres east of Edson.
