Travis Edward Vader, the man accused of killing St. Albert couple Lyle and Marie McCann, made his first court appearance today on the charges in Edson.
Vader was charged on April 18 with first-degree murder in the couple's death. His appearance today was brief and the case was put over until June 5. He was dressed in a purple shirt and black slacks and told the court he was still finalizing arrangements to retain his lawyer.
Crown Prosecutor Michelle Doyle said she had spoken with Edmonton lawyer Peter Royal and confirmed Vader was close to becoming his client.
Judge John Higgerty agreed to Vader's request to put the matter over, but said he would have to be excused from hearing Vader's trial, bail hearing, preliminary inquiry or any other substantial matters due to a conflict from his employment from before becoming a judge.
Higgerty was a crown prosecutor in the area before being appointed to the bench.
Vader has been in custody on unrelated charges since shortly after the couple disappeared in July 2010, but was only charged with the couple's murder last month.
Lyle and Marie McCann were last seen leaving St. Albert in their motorhome, headed for a vacation in British Columbia. The burnt-out shell of their motorhome was found July 5 at a campground near Edson. A few days later their SUV was found on a side road off Highway 16.
According to court documents, police believe the McCanns were killed on July 3, near Peers, which is east of Edson.
