LLOYDMINSTER – A preliminary hearing for three people accused of robbing a Lloydminster hotel at gunpoint has been rescheduled after it was halted last month when witnesses failed to show.
A one-day hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for Rocky Wuttunee, Jade Alexander Whitstone, and Kacey Dillon to stand trial will be held in Lloydminster court Sept. 1. The hearing was set for Feb. 3 but didn't proceed after the Crown’s two key civilian witnesses didn’t attend court.
When the hearing was rescheduled on March 14, the Crown didn’t tell the court if its key witnesses would still be testifying. Last month, a North Battleford Crown prosecutor had asked the judge for an adjournment to see if the RCMP could “round up” the witnesses who didn't appear for the hearing.
Wuttunee, Whitstone, and Dillon are charged in connection to the robbery at a Lloydminster hotel on March 29, 2021. Police say they fled in one of the victim’s vehicles.
Wuttunee is charged with forcible confinement, robbery, six firearms offences, and vehicle theft. Whitstone is charged with forcible confinement, seven firearms offences, robbery, vehicle theft, possession of property or proceeds of crime, and obstruction of a peace officer. Dillon is charged with forcible confinement, possession of a weapon, assault, and robbery.
All three are out on bail.
The charges against Wuttunee, Whitstone, and Dillon haven’t been proven in court.
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