The case of the 2017 death of Makayla Chang is progressing, as a preliminary inquiry date is estimated to be set in the new year.
Steven Michael Bacon, initially named as a person of interest in Chang’s death, was formally charged with first-degree murder in September and pleaded not guilty. Chang went missing in March 2017, with her body found that May.
Bacon had a court date in Nanaimo today, Dec. 1, and will see his next appearance Feb. 12, when a date for the inquiry is anticipated to be set. A preliminary inquiry is held to determine if there is enough evidence for a trial in B.C. Supreme Court.
Bacon is scheduled to appear by video on that day, with Gilbert Labine, based in Thunder Bay, serving as his legal representation.
While a B.C. Supreme Court judge had previously ordered Bacon be kept under the jurisdiction of B.C. and confined to a jail in Thunder Bay, he has been moved to a prison in Penetanguishene, Ont., north of Toronto, Labine said.
Nick Barber, Crown counsel, said Bacon would be transferred back to B.C. for the preliminary inquiry, but had no other comment.
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reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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