A man accused of killing his spouse has been committed to stand trial for first-degree murder at Saskatoon Court of Queen’s Bench.
On Tuesday, the Crown and defence consented to skipping a preliminary hearing for Blake Jeffrey Schreiner and proceeding straight to the trial phase.
Schreiner, 37, appeared by video from the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, where he’s been in custody since his spouse Tammy Brown was found dead in their River Heights neighbourhood home on Jan. 29.
Preliminary hearings are held to determine if there is sufficient evidence to go to trial. Lawyers will sometimes waive the process, for various reasons. It could take months before a trial date is set.
Last month, a not criminally responsible (NCR) assessment was ordered for Schreiner to determine his mental state at the time of the offence. The conclusion of the assessment was not divulged in open court; however, the case is proceeding in the normal course.
Schreiner was originally charged with second-degree murder in connection with Brown’s death, but the charge was later upgraded to first-degree murder.
Family members have told the Saskatoon StarPhoenix that Brown was a Saskatchewan Polytechnic employee and mother of two young children.