After a five-month adjournment, a 14-year-old girl accused of lighting another student on fire at Evan Hardy Collegiate will soon be tried as an adult. The accused, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is facing charges of attempted murder, arson, aggravated assault, and unlawfully causing bodily harm. She is also facing charges of assault and uttering threats in relation to another incident while in custody. Crown prosecutor Ainsley Furlonger intends to seek an adult sentence on the four charges from the incident at Evan Hardy Collegiate. The teen has not yet entered a plea in the case, but dates for a preliminary inquiry are now set. In court, the youth chose to have a preliminary inquiry and be tried at the Court of King’s Bench with a judge alone.
Early on in the case, the defense was granted a 30-day assessment to determine if the accused would be found not criminally responsible, on the grounds she is suffering from a mental disorder. There has been no mention of the results of that assessment since. The teen returns to court in May for robust case management for this and the other charges. The preliminary inquiry is scheduled for the week of July 14, with the accused expected to appear in person. The accused’s identity remains protected due to her status as a minor. The case has garnered widespread attention due to the severity of the charges and the young age of the accused.
The incident at Evan Hardy Collegiate, where the accused allegedly lit another student on fire, shocked the community and raised questions about safety in schools. The charges of attempted murder and arson are particularly serious and carry significant consequences if the accused is found guilty. The decision to try the accused as an adult reflects the gravity of the crimes she is alleged to have committed. The case has attracted media attention and sparked discussions about mental health, youth crime, and the justice system.
The upcoming preliminary inquiry will be a crucial stage in the legal process, where evidence will be presented and a decision will be made on whether the case will proceed to trial. The accused’s legal team will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence and present their own arguments in court. The outcome of the preliminary inquiry will have significant implications for the future of the case and the accused’s potential sentence. The accused’s mental health will likely be a key factor in the proceedings, as it has already been raised as a possible defense strategy.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community waits to see how the case will unfold and what the final decision will be. The accused’s future hangs in the balance as she faces serious charges and the prospect of being tried as an adult. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities of the justice system, especially when dealing with young offenders and issues of mental health. The outcome of the trial will have far-reaching consequences for all involved, and will be closely watched by those following the case. It is a challenging and sensitive situation that highlights the need for a careful and thorough legal process.
