NORTH BATTLEFORD – Defence for a man accused of killing 24-year-old Wendy Bird is seeking an assessment to determine if he is fit to stand trial, and his co-accused is seeking bail.
Dustin Cookman-Watts, 25, appeared by telephone from the correctional centre. Defence Michael Nowlin appeared by phone and told the court that he will be seeking a fitness assessment order but said he's in a difficult situation because the Saskatchewan Hospital isn't accepting patients until December. His matter was adjourned to Nov. 2. Two of Cookman-Watts family members attended court for his appearance.
A legal aid lawyer asked the court that a bail verification report be prepared for 18-year-old Melissa Kopanyas to canvass a home in Biggar. Kopanyas' appearance in court was waived. Judge Kevin Hill ordered the report and adjourned the matter to Nov. 2.
Shortly after 8 a.m., Warman RCMP received a report of a deceased person along Highway 16 near Maymont.
On Oct. 20 police charged Dustin Cookman-Watts from North Battleford with second-degree murder and Melissa Kaponyas from Biggar with accessory after the fact. They appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Oct. 21.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit continues to investigate with assistance from the Saskatoon and North Battlefords RCMP Forensic Identification Services Unit.
If anyone has information about Wendy’s whereabouts from Friday, Oct. 14 to the morning of Oct. 16, or if you witnessed any suspicious activity on Highway 16 near Maymont through the evening hours Oct. 15-16, police encourage you to contact police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The charges against the accused haven't been tested in court.
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