UPDATE: The decision on bail for Gerald Stanley has been held for 24 hours.
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Gerald Stanley has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 22 year old Colten Boushie.
The 54 year old farmer made his appearance in court in North Battleford this morning. More than 200 people had rallied outside the court building in support of the Boushie family, holding signs asking for justice in Colten’s death, and chanting “Justice for Colten.”
Boushie was in a vehicle with four other people which had pulled on the farm of Stanley near Biggar, Sask, when he was shot and killed on August 9. His family has said the group were seeking help with a flat tire. The case has led to heated debate online, which led to Premier Brad Wall, among others, condemning racist commentary from Saskatchewan residents.
Stanley’s appearance was brief, and he was sent to the Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford for a bail hearing, set for 1:30 p.m. today. His family was escorted from the courthouse with by police, through the crowd of supporters.
Police presence has been visibly increased in the area during Stanley’s court appearances, with rally attendee’s noting armed police officers on rooftops, taking pictures of the crowd, and barricades set up near the Court of Queen’s Bench building.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.