RCMP presence remains on Day 2 of Stanley preliminary hearing

A heightened security presence was in place again at North Battleford’s provincial courthouse for day two of the preliminary hearing for Gerald Stanley.

At least eight RCMP cruisers created a perimeter at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, blocking off Railway Street in front of the courthouse to traffic.

The move came despite no crowds gathering outside on the first day of the hearing.

The hearing will determine whether Stanley, 55, will stand trial for second-degree murder in the shooting death of Colten Boushie last summer.

Boushie, 22, was shot and killed Aug. 9 while riding in an SUV that went onto a farm near Biggar, Sask. Another person in the SUV has said they were heading home to the Red Pheasant First Nation after an afternoon of swimming when they got a flat tire and sought help.

The evidence being presented at the hearing is under a publication ban to prevent contamination of a potential jury pool.

An increased security presence was also seen inside the courthouse, with two RCMP members supporting two deputy sheriffs in the room. Three officers joined three sheriffs in the courthouse hallway.

Boushie’s mother, Debbie Baptiste, was flanked by her sons William and Jace when entering the courtroom Tuesday.

Both brothers left briefly during the proceedings, tears visible in William’s eyes.

Stanley had more friends and family in court, taking up about a quarter of the small room.

One man identified himself as Stanley’s father, but defence lawyer Scott Spencer said no one would be speaking to media.

Stanley was more talkative during breaks throughout the morning, leaning back in his chair as he turned and chatted with those behind him.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to wrap up Thursday, when Justice B.J. Bauer will determine whether there is enough evidence for a trial to continue.

The threshold of evidence is lower in a preliminary hearing than it is for conviction in a trial.

650 CKOM reporter Chris Vandenbreekel is covering the hearing from North Battleford. Follow him on Twitter for live updates.