The murder case involving two patients at the old Waterford Hospital is likely headed straight to Supreme Court.

The shocking and traumatic incident occurred in late December of 2024, the waning days of the old building, with a move to the new mental health facility just months away.

Thirty-one-year-old Thomas Parsely, a patient with a history of schizophrenia, is accused of attacking another patient, 66-year-old Tom Poole, who was reportedly being treated for Huntington’s Disease.

The incident happened just a week before Christmas, with the victim rushed to hospital in critical condition, but succumbing to his injuries two days later. Sources have told VOCM that the weapon involved was a pencil.

Court dates have come and gone in the past year, with Parsley remaining in secure custody on the forensics unit at the new hospital.

Today defence lawyer Mark Gruchy told the court it continues to be a challenge communicating with his client, noting he’s “in and out” and remains unwell.

However, he said the plan is to waive the right to a preliminary inquiry and move the case to Supreme Court, which appears to be on the same page with the Crown.

Gruchy said he’s hoping to relay that message to his client today, with a return to court on February 12th.

Parsley was already facing charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats against a nurse at the same hospital two months before the killing.