The man accused of second-degree murder in the death of a much-loved Vancouver man is pleading not guilty, his case being set for a preliminary hearing.
Kitsilano resident Brent Steven White is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Justis Daniel, 77.
Daniel was the caretaker of Tatlow Park who was found slain in his west-side home in December.
White appeared before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Jodie Werier May 11 by video.
Defence lawyer Paul McMurray told Werier the case would be proceeding to a preliminary inquiry. Such inquiries are to examine evidence to determine if enough exists to proceed to trial.
McMurray said he has been receiving Crown disclosure on the case, that a preliminary should be set for three days in July.
Publication bans cover such proceedings so as not to taint a potential jury pool should an accused elect trial by judge and jury.
Daniel was found dead on Dec. 10, 2021, in his home at West 3rd Avenue and MacDonald Street.
The Texas-born father of one was known as a talented singer and guitar player.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said White was arrested without incident.
Police said the long-time caretaker was also a well-known Kitsilano community fixture and had no known enemies. At the time of his death, there were no suspects and no known motive.
VPD major crime section commander Insp. Dale Weidman said White and Daniel were casual acquaintances but not friends.
The VPD has not commented on a motive and cause of death.
“This crime shocked the community and caused significant anxiety, in part because we could not immediately explain what happened or guarantee there was no on-going public safety risk,” Weidman said March 28.
Daniel’s death was Vancouver’s 17th homicide of 2021.
