Derek Saretzky, the 22-year-old man charged for the murders of Terry Blanchette and his daughter, Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, has been deemed fit to stand trial.
Saretzkey, who was arrested in September, attempted suicide while in custody, bringing into question his psychological state. The Alberta RCMP was informed of the Crown’s assessment report on Nov. 25. Saretzky made a brief appearance in a Lethbridge courtroom via closed-circuit television on Nov. 26, but the judge didn’t make a final decision on his ability to stand trial.
The judge and jury are still reviewing the assessment, which has not been made public.
CBC News reported Saretzky recently returned to the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre after being admitted to an emergency room in Calgary, due to a hunger strike.
Saretzky was arrested after the body of Terry Blanchette, 27, was found at his home in Blairmore, Alta. An Amber Alert was issued for his two year old daughter, Hailey. Her body was later found in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Blairmore.
Saretzky faces two charges of first degree murder and a separate charge of indignity to a body.