Court proceedings adjourned a third time for landowner accused of shooting trespasser

As Eddie Maurice and his family walked into the Okotoks Courthouse on Friday morning, they were greeted by a slew of supporters, clapping and calling out, "We love you, Eddie."

Maurice was charged after he allegedly shot a trespasser on his rural southern Alberta property in late February.

• 'Eddie's not a criminal': Support for landowner accused of shooting trespasser continues as case adjourned

The man he allegedly shot, Ryan Watson, is also facing a number of charges. A second person on the property during the incident, Stephanie Martens, has been charged as well.

For rural property owners, this case has become a boiling point over the issues of property rights and use of force. 

Forensic report required to proceed: defence

On Friday, defence lawyer Tonii Roulston asked for another adjournment. 

"We can't take the next step until we know what the full allegations are against my client. Certainly we will not be relying on the complainants in this case as to what occurred," she said.

Roulston said they're still waiting on full disclosure from the Crown, specifically for an expert forensic report she says their case will likely hinge upon. 

"We find it frustrating that we're still waiting for the report, especially since the police spent more than 24 hours on the property," she said. "However, in fairness to the Crown, it's not unusual for us to be waiting for an expert report. We also did have to wait a lengthy time, however, for the other disclosure, which we should have had sooner, in my opinion."

Roulston said the defence plans to hire its own forensic expert as well — something she says will be of great cost to the Maurice family. 

'Scary' situation continues for Maurice family

Outside of court, Eddie's wife, Jessie, told reporters that when the incident occurred she was out of the country, heightening her husband's stress and worry during the situation.

"But on our end, that really changes how we're able to handle it as a family because you know there is a lot of weight and pressure on Eddie by himself," she said.

Jessie said the ongoing court proceeding have been "scary" for her family, especially with no end in sight, but said they're grateful for the continued support of their friends, families and complete strangers.

"We've been receiving e-mails and Facebook messages from people across the country showing their support, so yes, that's been helping us," she said. 

Possibility of jail time

Roulston said that on the day in question, Maurice called 911 because he thought strangers were putting him and his daughter in danger.

"He calls 911 expecting help from the police to protect him from these individuals," she said. "So the concern is that he called 911 expecting to be assisted and the next interaction with police was that he was arrested."

Roulston said the ideal outcome is for the charges against her client to be withdrawn or stayed. 

She said the penalty upon a conviction is not minor.

"This isn't just house arrest and a slap on the wrist, which the complainants are [possibly facing]. These charges are very serious … there is a very high likelihood of jail time in the event that he's convicted. So we take these charges very seriously."

The case has been adjourned until May 18, at which point it's expected that Maurice will enter a plea.

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