Nova Scotia

William Sandeson's preliminary inquiry on murder charge set for February

The lawyer for a man charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Dalhousie University student says he wants to call 25 civilian witnesses at the preliminary inquiry.

Sandeson accused of first-degree murder in death of fellow Dalhousie student Taylor Samson

Sheriffs escort William Sandeson into provincial court last month. Sandeson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Taylor Samson, a fellow Dalhousie University student. (Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)

The case of a Dalhousie University student accused of first-degree murder in the death a fellow student is scheduled to return to court in three months.

A five-day preliminary inquiry for William Sandeson is set for Feb. 22. The 23-year-old is accused of killing Taylor Samson, 22, in August.

Samson's body has never been found.

​Sandeson's lawyer, Eugene Tan, wants to call 25 civilian witnesses at the preliminary, but Crown prosecutor Susan MacKay is questioning why Tan is asking for so many.

The lawyers will return to court Jan. 13 for a focus hearing to try to whittle down the list of witnesses.

Samson disappeared on Aug. 15 and police say he was on his way to make a drug deal with a new client.

In documents filed with the court, police said Samson was carrying about 1.8 kilograms of marijuana. They said he was a victim of a so-called drug rip and someone wanted to steal the drugs from him.

Sandeson was arrested a couple of days after Samson's disappearance. He has been in custody since. Police searched Sandeson's Halifax apartment and a property belonging to the family in Lower Truro.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Blair Rhodes

Reporter

Blair Rhodes has been a journalist for more than 40 years, the last 31 with CBC. His primary focus is on stories of crime and public safety. He can be reached at blair.rhodes@cbc.ca