Derek Saretzky to undergo psych evaluation in deaths of Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette, her father
22-year-old Blairmore, Alta., man made court appearance via closed-circuit TV
The man accused of killing a two-year-old Alberta girl and her father will be sent for a 30-day psychiatric assessment to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
Derek Saretzky faces two charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of Terry Blanchette, 27, and toddler Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette.
He also faces one count of indignity to a body, relating to Hailey's death.
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Saretzky has hired Edmonton lawyer Peter Northcott to represent him.
In a Lethbridge courtroom Wednesday morning, Saretzky appeared by CCTV and was ordered to undergo the psychiatric evaluation, which will help determine how the case will proceed.
His defence team elected to have the case heard by a judge and jury, if Saretzky is deemed fit to stand trial.
Last week, Saretzky was hospitalized and put into a medically induced coma after he was found trying to hang himself while in custody. He has since recovered and been returned to the Lethbridge Correctional Centre.
Patrick Edgerton, a lawyer on the defence team, said Saretzky's physical condition has improved greatly since his hospitalization.
"As you can see from his appearance in court today, he is walking and talking," Edgerton said. "Of course, he is very concerned about everything that's going on, but he appears to be well."
The tragic case began when an Amber Alert was issued for the toddler almost three weeks ago after Blanchette was found dead in his home and the girl was missing.
Saretzky was taken in for questioning on Sept. 15.
Hours later, investigators recovered Hailey's body in a rural area of Blairmore and formal charges were laid the next day.
Suicide attempt would prompt review
Alberta Justice spokeswoman Michelle Davio said she couldn't speak to the specifics of Saretzky's case but, in general terms, a suicide attempt at a correctional facility would lead to an investigation and review.
"When an incident occurs, we do a thorough review and take action to prevent it from happening again," Davio said in an email. "This could include changes to our policies and procedures, or enhanced training."
Saretzky's next court appearance is set for Oct. 29