The trial for the second-degree murder of Penticton teen Andrew McAdam potentially could be changing venues.
In Penticton Supreme Court on Monday, Justice Alison Beames told defence council for 20-year-old Jamie Wolanski, who is charged with second-degree murder, there are only two blocks of jury trial dates in 2013 available for Penticton. The trial is anticipated to take up to 10 days.
“The longer you wait, the less likely any dates will be available,” said Beames.
Alternatively, Beames said if an application is made for a change of venue to Kelowna, it could provide more dates if that application is approved.
Wolanski is accused of the second-degree murder of McAdam who died after being stabbed at a Penticton graduation bush party in the Carmi area in June 2011. The party was a annual tradition known to grads as “sunset” and happened the evening before the last day of school. A similar party occurred annually the night before the first day of school called “sunrise.”
Wolanski is due back in court on Feb. 25 on the second-degree murder charge, but Beames advised the lawyers that there should be discussion before that about potential trial dates or applications to change venues.
Wolanski appeared via video in Penticton recently for a scheduled bail hearing, but told the court he was changing lawyers and would not be pursuing the bail application until his new lawyer, Clarke Burnett, was ready.
In June 2012, while under strict bail conditions, Wolanski was charged with breach for allegedly breaking his curfew. He has been behind bars ever since he was arrested. His arraignment for the breach of bail conditions is scheduled for Feb. 6.