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Lawyers request more time to go over ‘substantial’ disclosure in first-degree murder case

Fifty-four-year-old John Ham’s body was found near a grid road about 30 kilometres southeast of Glaslyn on Nov. 27, 2020

NORTH BATTLEFORD - A lawyer representing a woman charged with first-degree murder has asked the court for an adjournment to go over “hundreds of hours of” disclosure.

Brian Pfefferle waived 24-year-old Cassandra Fox’s appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court Friday and asked the court for an adjournment to Oct. 1 saying there was “substantial disclosure.” Disclosure consists of the Crown’s case against the accused.

Fox, and Jonathan Swiftwolfe, are charged with first-degree murder in Bradley John Ham’s death. Fox is at Pine Grove Correctional Centre for Women.

Defence Tim Nolan waived Swiftwolfe’s attendance and said an adjournment was needed to get some instructions from Swiftwolfe, adding that defence had just located him in the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

Swiftwolfe was arrested for Ham’s murder at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary on July 7 where he is currently serving four years on weapons charges, uttering threats, assault, evading/fleeing from police, and dangerous driving.

Fifty-four-year-old Ham’s body was found near a grid road about 30 kilometres southeast of Glaslyn on Nov. 27, 2020. When Fox and Swiftwolfe were arrested they were both in custody from an incident stemming from December 2020 following a police pursuit that reached speeds of up to 190 km/hour. At that time, Swiftwolfe was wanted on outstanding warrants. While searching for Swiftwolfe, police issued a public safety warning and described him as having the word “Westside” tattooed on the right side of his face and neck.

The RCMP Crime Reduction Team, which specializes in gang activity, helped arrest Swiftwolfe east of Sweetgrass First Nation in December. He had a loaded firearm directly behind his seat within reach. Fox was with him at the time and she was wanted on 30 outstanding warrants including assault with a weapon and failure to comply with a release order.

The charges against Swiftwolfe and Fox haven’t been proven in court.