Not guilty plea expected in murder trial

RCMP escort Kimberly Noyes from the Nelson courthouse at her first hearing; Photo, Nik Green

Defence lawyer for accused murderer Kimberley Ruth Noyes, 42, requested they skip a preliminary hearing and move forward with setting a trial date at the next appearance. Noyes was represented by attorney Deanne Gaffar via telephone conference in Nelson on Wednesday, Dec. 2 where the request was issued during the latest court date.

Noyes is charged in the murder of 12-year-old John Fulton who was found dead at Noyes’ apartment in Grand Forks on Aug. 10, 2009 after an extensive search of the local area uncovered his body just steps from his own home within the Gables housing complex. At the time of the search, Fulton's family criticized the RCMP for failing to initiate a search quickly when they were notified of the disappearance of the autistic child. 

“The defense indicated that they were content with skipping the preliminary inquiry,” said Crown Counsel Philip Seagram. Seagram indicated that historically this has led them him to expect a plea of not guilty.

The defense opted to move forward with an appearance to set the date for trial in Supreme Court. The judge set the date for the next appearance as Jan. 4, 2010. Noyes remains in custody in Surrey and the trial could begin as soon as spring 2010.