A Thunder Bay judge has postponed a decision in a high-profile second-degree murder case.
On Tuesday Justice Frank Valente announced he needed until Jan. 21 to make a ruling in the case of Brayden Bushby, the man accused of killing Barbara Kentner, a 34-year-old Anishinaabe mother.
Bushby was charged with second-degree murder after Kentner died in July 17, six months after she was hit in the stomach with a trailer hitch thrown from a passing vehicle while she was walking down a city street in Thunder Bay.
Bushby, 18 at the time of the incident, was originally charged with aggravated assault. The charges were changed following Kentner’s death.
Bushby’s preliminary hearings concluded last October.
Kentner’s family had traveled to Thunder Bay for Tuesday’s decision, which was supposed to determine whether Bushby will face trial.
The victim’s aunt, Lisa Kooshet, said the family is disappointed they didn’t get a decision today but are thankful for the community’s support, which included a vigil outside the courthouse.
Barbara Kentner’s daughter Serena, Kentner’s aunt Lisa Kooshet and sister Melissa stand outside a Thunder Bay courthouse on Jan. 15 after travelling to the northern Ontario city to hear a judge’s decision on whether Kentner’s accused killer will stand trial. Willow Fiddler/APTN.
“It wasn’t meant to happen today and maybe Barbara had something to do with that, is how I felt in the courtroom,” she said. “Maybe it is next Monday, just wasn’t for today. Maybe the importance of the vigil was where her heart was.”
Kentner’s teenage daughter Serena said waiting for justice has been difficult.
“This has been going on for so long and my mom, she deserves justice, and I deserve to finally be able to grieve,” she said. “I just want this to be all over so I can finally start grieving.”
Terribly sad the family has to wait but there must be a good reason for the judge to delay.
Terribly sad the family has to wait but there must be a good reason for the judge to delay.
THERE IS NO QUESTION, BUT IT SEEMS THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FINALLY GIVING THOUGHT THAT THE AGE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE IS NOT THE WAY TO GO. MAYBE….
THERE IS NO QUESTION, BUT IT SEEMS THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FINALLY GIVING THOUGHT THAT THE AGE OF WHITE PRIVILEGE IS NOT THE WAY TO GO. MAYBE….
He is accountable for causing her suffering and death… he needs to go through the the court system…justice for Barbara and her family…why is there even a question???
He is accountable for causing her suffering and death… he needs to go through the the court system…justice for Barbara and her family…why is there even a question???