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Accused killer’s bail revoked

Judge orders Keith Wiens detained in custody to await trial for the murder of Lynn Kalmring
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Accused killer Keith Wiens is led from the Penticton courthouse in handcuffs Monday morning following his appearance on an alleged bail violation.

Relieved and happy is what the family of Lynn Kalmring said they were feeling after the man accused of her murder will be behind bars until the trial.

“Today is a good day. I am feeling good right now,” said Maggie Leslie, the sister of Kalmring.

Former RCMP officer Keith Wiens appeared in Supreme Court in Penticton on Wednesday after he was taken into custody last week for allegedly violating his bail conditions. RCMP told the Western News last week that Wiens was under a condition to live with his brother at the home Wiens had shared with Kalmring, in the gated community of Sandbridge located on South Main Street, and the brother had gone back to Ontario at one point.

A publication ban was issued Wednesday on the evidence presented during the bail hearing and the reasons why bail was revoked by Justice Peter Rogers, the same person who originally granted bail to Wiens in August.

“It has given me a little bit of faith that maybe the system is good. I’m prepared to climb another hill now if I have to. I have energy and strength to climb another mountain for my sister Lynn,” said Leslie, pointing to a button on her jacket with the photo of Kalmring.

At one point during Wednesday’s hearing, a tearful Wiens asked to address the court, but was told to confer with his lawyer.

“I was surprised by that burst of emotion, but at the same time I thought how dare you. I didn’t believe that for a second and I think he got more emotional seeing her family sitting there,” said Brandy Cummings, the victim’s daughter. “I hope he cries every day about it because we are, too.”

Cummings said Wiens’ bail being revoked is a little victory and she was excited about spreading the news to Kalmring’s extended family and friends.

“She meant something to a lot of people. She had a spark about her. That spark is one of many that is gone from murders and violence. The fact it is my mom is worse, but I know we are not alone in this,” said Cummings.

Crown counsel Colin Forsythe said RCMP are still investigating the murder charges against Wiens and they are waiting on outstanding forensic information. He said a June time frame for the murder trial would be the earliest date he could possibly be ready for. Wiens will be back before the provincial court on Jan. 30 to address the breach charge, then in Supreme Court on Feb. 6 in Kelowna to fix a trial date.