Andrew Berry, the Victoria father charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his two daughters found dead in his apartment on Christmas Day, made his third court appearance this morning.
The expected outcome of today’s appearance was to set a trial date, but the Crown has instead asked for three more weeks to prepare.
Crown prosecutor asks for a further 3 weeks before setting trial date for Andrew Berry, Oak Bay father charged with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his two daughters found dead in his apartment on Christmas Day. Judge adjourned to March 15 9:30 am #yyj #oakbay
— Oak Bay News (@OakBayNews) February 22, 2018
Kevin McCullough, Berry’s criminal defence lawyer, had previously stated he was looking forward to getting the trial underway as soon as possible, saying on Feb. 1 that Berry was having a difficult time in custody.
“For a person who has never been in custody before, it is always very difficult. I can tell you that in part, that’s why I’m looking for a speedy trial,” said McCullough.
A publication ban was in effect for today’s hearing.
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On Christmas Day, Chloe, 6, and Aubrey Berry, 4, were in the care of their father at his apartment on the corner of Beach Drive and Goodwin Street in Oak Bay, B.C.. The children were supposed to go home to their mother’s house on Christmas afternoon but didn’t arrive. Their mother Sarah Cotton contacted the Oak Bay police who responded to Berry’s apartment and found the bodies of the two girls.
Andrew Berry was found in the apartment with them, suffering from injuries, and was taken to the hospital. Berry was arrested and charged upon release from the hospital.
In the wake of the Christmas Day double homicide of Chloe and Aubrey Berry, criticism has arisen around Justice Victoria Gray’s decision to grant the girls’ father the right to have the girls visit him on Christmas Eve.
Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson spoke up recently in defence of Gray. He reportedly didn’t think evidence brought before the judge in the 2016 divorce proceedings could have suggested the father was likely to commit the crime — if in fact he did. The criticism of the judge that followed the tragedy is unfair in his opinion.
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keri.coles@oakbaynews.com
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