The preliminary inquiry has begun for a Deer Lake man accused of murdering his grandmother.
It’s been almost one year since the body of 69-year-old Eva Banfield was discovered in her home on Upper Nicholsville Road in the west coast town.
And within hours, the Mounties arrested who they believe was her killer—34-year-old Justin Campbell—the woman’s grandson.
Campbell was charged with first-degree murder, as well as theft over $5,000.
It’s alleged the theft and murder occurred some time between August 30 and September 7, 2023.
Campbell has been in custody ever since he was picked up on September 8th of last year, making court appearances by video from jail in Bishop’s Falls.
But he was physically in Corner Brook provincial court this morning for the start of his preliminary inquiry, which began with testimony from the first responding officer, as well as filing of the autopsy report.
And while that’s all happening in open court, strict publication bans are in place to protect the integrity of that evidence, should the case end up before a jury.
Nine days have been set aside for the inquiry, which will see all of the evidence put before a judge who will decide if there’s enough of it to warrant a trial.