Cramer preliminary hearing set for October
The preliminary hearing for Jason Cramer is scheduled to take place over six days, beginning Oct. 19, 2012.
Cramer stands accused of murdering Elaine Schwartz and attempting to murder Elaine’s son, Trevor, on Aug. 3, 2011 - one year ago this Friday.
The attack happened just before 5 p.m. on Aug. 3 and resulted in a 16-hour manhunt on Gabriola Island by RCMP after Cramer fled the scene.
This past Tuesday morning (July 24) the lawyers for the crown and defence spoke with the Hon. Judge J. Parker MacCarthy on what they would be presenting at the preliminary hearing in October.
Cramer attended by video conference from the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Victoria where he has been held in custody since last summer.
At the hearing, a judge will examine the case to decide if there is enough evidence to proceed with the trial.
Jackie Gaudet represented the crown this past Tuesday. James Wright has been representing Cramer since last August. Gaudet explained she and Wright had several discussions and had come to an agreement on the preliminary hearing.
She said, “I’ve spoken to my friend [Wright] about the file, to shorten things up and to prevent the victim that lived, Trevor Schwartz, from having to come and testify twice and my friend has been helpful in that regard.”
Statements from forensics investigators, the pathologist and Trevor’s attending physician will be presented in lieu of having those specific people coming in and attending in person.
Presumably they can still be called to testify should the case proceed to trial, but for the preliminary hearing their statements will be considered sufficient. Gaudet said, “Evidence of Trevor Schwartz will be filed by way of his statements without the necessity of him testifying or being cross-examined.”
Wright said he agreed with Gaudet, saying he believed they could shorten the hearing up.
While names of the witnesses were not mentioned, Gaudet said there would be five civilian witnesses and between six and eight police officers who will be called for the preliminary inquiry.
A trial confirmation hearing has been set for Sept. 11, which Cramer will attend by video conference.