The preliminary inquiry has been set for a Corner Brook man charged with second-degree murder.

Forty-eight-year-old Blair Walsh was initially charged with aggravated assault after a man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

The incident occurred on the night of March 28 at an apartment building on Wheeler’s Road in the west coast city.

The 59-year-old victim died of his injuries a short time later, leading to the upgraded charge of second-degree murder.

Walsh remains in custody and appeared in Corner Brook provincial court by phone this morning.

His lawyer, Robbie Ash, told Judge Wayne Gorman they’re still waiting on the final autopsy report from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Nonetheless, Walsh has elected to be tried by Supreme Court judge and jury if there’s enough evidence to go to trial.

That’ll be determined by Gorman after the preliminary inquiry, which is set for five days, beginning on January 22, 2024.