Skip to content

Trial date not set for triple murder case

Rueben Buhler’s preliminary hearing will likely be set for March 2016.

In the story ‘Trial date for triple murder case to be set soon’ published in the Lakes District News' Aug. 19, 2015, edition, the trial date for the case of Rueben Buhler - the man arrested in relation to a triple homicide in Burns Lake – was expected to be determined on Sept. 9, 2015.

However, during the fixed date that took place on Sept. 9 at the Burns Lake Provincial Court, a trial date was not determined. Instead another fixed date was set for Oct. 14, 2015.

Jordan Allingham, Buhler’s lawyer, explained that the defence still has a large volume of disclosure to read before a trial can take place, and the Crown has yet to provide all of the disclosure.

“Once that is reviewed, I will be in a position to determine how much time will be needed for a preliminary inquiry and trial of this matter,” he said.

Allingham expects that on Oct. 14 a date will be set for a preliminary inquiry, which will likely take place around March 2016.

Tempers flared as family members of some of the victims verbally attacked Buhler’s family outside of the Burns Lake Provincial Court while Buhler’s fixed date was taking place on Sept. 9, 2015. The victim assistance worker calmed the situation down and eventually everyone left the parking lot.

Buhler has been charged with three counts of second degree murder and remains in custody. Buhler has not had a bail hearing at this stage.

“We will determine whether we will seek his release at an appropriate time,” said Allingham.

On April 27, 2015, at 8:25 a.m., the Burns Lake RCMP attended a residence in the 200 block of Fifth Avenue in Burns Lake after receiving a report of potential foul play. Neighbours said they heard gun shots ring out around 6 a.m. When officers entered the residence, they found three people - one woman and two men - dead inside.

“I cannot share anything further at this stage other than the fact Mr. Buhler is presumed to be innocent, has a right to a fair trial, and not to be prejudged before then,” said Allingham. “The public hopefully understands that these matters do take some time to run their course to ensure people are either properly acquitted or properly convicted.”

The identities of all three victims are still not being released.